Early Detection and Further Prevention of Noise Induced Hearing Loss by Otoacoustic Emission: Army Recruits of Indian Origin

Abstract

Background: There has been no research on the Indian population that has tested ears for “Noise Induced Hearing Loss.” Furthermore, while there was no study on recruits of Indian descent in the literature, an attempt was made to test the individuals for noise-induced hearing loss. \nObjective: \xa0To corelate the initial OAE screening in terms of frequency involved with time frame after firing for the first time to prevent further exposure and hearing loss. \nMethods: Otoacoustic emission (OAE) screening is done over recruits before and after first exposure to loud noise of rifle firing in our study. Recruits were followed up at 04 hours, 24 hours, 01 month and 06 months after exposure. Individuals showing variation in OAE at 24 hours were also subjected to Pure Tone Audiometry at 01 month and 06 months. \nResults: There were 98 recruits in total. Referred to OAE after 4 hours, 67 recruits recovered in 24 hours.Remaining 31 recruits(45 Ears) when followed up and screened at 01 month shows refer in OAE in 22 recruits (37 Ears) and high frequency loss on PTA in 17 recruits (31Ears). At 06 months 16 recruits (28 Ears) shows refer in OAE and 12 recruits (22 Ears) shows dip in high frequency in PTA. \nConclusion: The OAE is a more sensitive method for detecting noise-induced hearing loss early on. Individuals who demonstrate REFER in OAE at both 04 hours and 24 hours with both 3 kHz and 4 kHz involved are more prone to noise induced hearing loss in the future, according to this study, which also correlates time and frequency involved in OAE in diagnosing early hearing loss.