Test of Hearing Health Education Programs for Farm and Rural Youth
Noise-induced Hearing LossFarm and rural youth have frequent exposure to hazardous noise on the farm and recreationally, and have an increased prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). There is a lack of programs to prepare this high-risk population to use hearing conservation strategies. This randomly-controlled trial of innovative community-based interventions is designed to compare effectiveness and sustainability of approaches to increase youths' use of hearing conservation strategies. Consistent use of hearing conservation strategies is expected to reduce rates of NIHL and other negative effects of high noise exposure, and improve quality of life in this high-risk and underserved group.
Test of a Web-based Intervention to Promote Hearing Protector Use
Noise-induced Hearing LossThe purpose of this project is to compare the effectiveness of several approaches to influencing hearing protector use. The goals of this study are to further develop an intervention to promote farmers' use of hearing protectors, and compare the effectiveness of the developed intervention with two alternative approaches to influencing hearing protector use behavior, delivered in various combinations. This study will determine if significant change in hearing protection use can be achieved in a one-shot web-based or protector-supply intervention. Results will determine the need for future program modifications, e.g., inclusion of booster(s).
Protective Effects of EPI-743 on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced Hearing LossIf effective, administration of EPI-743 should have protective effects against temporary noise-induced hearing loss.
Antioxidation Medication for Noise-induced Hearing Loss
Hearing LossThis study will examine whether oral intake of 1200mg N-Acetylcysteine/day will prevent temporary threshold shift in hearing among workers exposed to noise
TUNE! Teaching the UK About Noise Exposure: A Pilot Study
Noise-induced Hearing Loss and TinnitusIn 1986 The Medical Research Council estimated that 4 million UK adolescents were at risk of hearing damage from over-exposure to loud music from personal audio players (PAPs), gigs, clubs, pubs and festivals. Since that time social noise exposure is estimated to have tripled to 19% of young people. The European Commission commissioned a report that estimated 5-10% of personal audio player users are risking permanent hearing loss and tinnitus by listening to music at high volumes for more than 1 hour a day for 5 years or more. Up to 246 million PAPs were sold in Europe in 2008, and 200 million mobile phones, many of which now have built-in audio players. Nevertheless, a recent survey showed that only 8% of young people identify hearing loss as a health problem. The Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) undertook two surveys of young people in the UK to analyse listening behaviours as part of their "Don't Lose the Music" campaign. As a consequence they offer listening advice given by flyers at events and online at the dedicated website. There have been no studies to confirm if such advice is effective in reducing noise exposure. Aim: This study will pilot a methodology for a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a publically-available online video in changing the listening habits of young music lovers i.e. reduce the volume and number of hours of exposure. Hypothesis: A video and adapted sound track demonstrating the experience of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus accessed online will change the listening habits of 18-25 year-olds.
Prevention of Noise-induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced Hearing LossNoise-induced hearing loss affects an estimated 5% of the worldwide population, with 30-40 million Americans exposed to hazardous sound or noise levels regularly. Sources of noise may be occupational, blast noise, or recreational. Trauma to the inner ear can occur through transient hearing loss or permanent hearing loss. Although hearing recovers after temporary transient hearing loss, growing evidence suggests that repeated temporary transient hearing loss may lead to a permanent hearing loss. Currently, there are no treatments and there are no known medications that can be used clinically to prevent noise-induced hearing loss in humans. The long-term goal of this research is to find medications that can prevent noise-induced hearing loss. The purpose of the present pilot study is to evaluate zonisamide and methylprednisolone as medications to prevent temporary transient hearing loss in humans.
A Phase 2b Study of SPI-1005 to Prevent Acute Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Noise Induced Hearing LossSPI-1005 is a novel oral drug that contains a glutathione peroxidase mimetic (ebselen) that will be tested in subjects with a history of NIHL at risk for additional NIHL. The goal of this multi-center Phase 2b study is to determine whether SPI-1005 is effective in reducing an acute NIHL in this affected population. In this Phase 2b study subjects with prior NIHL will be enrolled and exposed to a calibrated sound challenge (CSC) that induces a slight acute NIHL.
Does Sound Conditioning Protect Against Temporary Hearing Damage
Hearing LossNoise-InducedThis research project will contribute to the research surrounding the effect on the ear after noise exposure. This ever-growing field of research has never been more applicable than now with the increase of recreational noise exposure. Noise is the leading cause of preventable hearing loss and excessive occupational noise along with recreational noise exposure can cause a devastating disability. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates 1.1 billion young people could be at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices. One of the mechanisms that could increase the resistance against noise induced hearing loss is 'sound conditioning'. Animal studies have found that prior exposure to low level noise over a period of a few weeks can 'condition' the ear. This conditioning then reduces the susceptibility to high level exposure i.e. strengthening the ear. In this study, the investigators aim to determine whether previous exposure to loud noise can condition the human ear, reducing the temporary hearing loss and temporary tinnitus ("ringing in the ear") that sometimes occurs after attending a loud nightclub or live music event. There are many implications of this research. For one it will allow us to understand more about the susceptibility to exposure of sounds and the resistance against noise induced hearing loss. This will mean that the investigators can enable appropriate interventions if necessary. For example, individuals who are more susceptible due to low prior exposure may be advised that they are at risk, and encouraged to use hearing protection. Being able to learn more about the impacts of noise with hearing and educate others such as understanding the impacts from high-level exposure.
Prevention of Noise-induced Damage by Use of Antioxidants
Noise-induced TinnitusNoise-induced Hearing LossThe current study is a dubble-blinde placebo-controlled cross-over study verifying the preventive effect of antioxidants on noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and noise-induced tinnitus (NIT). The antioxidants comprise of a mixture of magnesium and n-acetylcystein which should be taken 1h before leisure noise above 100dB for at least 30 minutes.
Early Detection of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Hearing LossSensorineuralThis study measures sounds produced by the sensory receptors of the inner ear called hair cells. These sounds are called otoacoustic emissions and one special case the investigators are studying are called distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) produced by presenting two tones to the ear. If the ear is damaged by noise exposure DPOAEs are reduced. In this study the investigators are attempting to improve the DPOAE test by adding a third tone to make the test more frequency specific. Whether the third tone helps will be determined by comparing DPOAEs collected with and without the third tone to clinical audiograms. If the addition of the third tone helps then the investigators expect DPOAEs tracked as a function of frequency (DP-grams) will more closely match the clinical audiograms.