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Objective: Young adults are at risk for hearing loss caused by exposure to loud music. Intervention at this stage provides opportunities to support lifelong hearing protection use. This study explores attitudes related to hearing, hearing loss, and hearing protection among university students. Design: Qualitative interview design, supplemented by quantitative questionnaire data. Study sample: 18 university students, aged 18–24 years. Results: Students were uncertain about mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss, did not feel vulnerable to permanent hearing damage from loud music, were unconvinced of hearing protection efficacy, and reported barriers to hearing protection use. Students emphasised the positive effects of loud music and reported an increased likelihood of using hearing protection were it used by peers. Music students appeared more aware of the negative effects of loud music exposure. Students reported conflicting attitudes regarding government regulation of hearing protection use. Conclusion: Young adults require education about hearing protection from multiple, credible sources and need to understand the mechanisms behind noise-induced hearing loss in a way that makes it of high personal relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the wearing of hearing protection has a positive influence on stress levels during an MRI examination in dogs under anaesthesia. To this end, the stress hormones cortisol and arginine vasopressin (AVP) were measured in the saliva of patients wearing hearing protection during an MRI scan, as well as in the control group without hearing protection, before and after the scan. Pulse rate and noise level were also measured during the MRI. It was shown that salivary cortisol concentrations in dogs without hearing protection increased during the MRI examination, while those in the control group with hearing protection remained the same (p<0.05). The pulse range was greater in the control group without hearing protection, although not statistically significant. The maximum loudness during the MRI examination, measured at 200 cm from the gantry, was 87 dB(A). The results on the loudness during mri scan highlight that hearing protection should always be used to minimise hearing damage and possibly the stress level for dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement and analysis of the continuous and intermittent noise produced by armored vehicle (AV) platforms, including the output from communications systems as experienced by crew, are necessary for the purposes of exposure prediction, to support the selection of hearing protection and communication devices, and to facilitate assessments of compliance with occupational health and safety legislation. Practical estimation of the personal noise exposure of AV crews requires the assessment of the vehicle, communications and special-to-role activity noise sources, and an understanding of how these sources combine. Procedures are described that consider instrumentation requirements, AV configuration and build standard, operating conditions representative of actual use, the application of speed thresholding to measurements, and derivation of communications noise levels. Real-world examples are given where these procedures have been applied to an in-service tracked AV to estimate crew noise exposure. The procedures and methods presented are a compromise between precision, repeatability, reproducibility, and pragmatism. Measurements of AV noise are expected to be obtained during the commissioning stage of vehicle design, immediately prior to the vehicle being put into operational service and following any major modifications to the vehicle to inform the necessary engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionThis study examined the factors affecting the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among US agriculture producers, specifically focusing on chemical, respiratory, and hearing protection. The primary goals were to identify demographic and farm-related factors linked to lower PPE usage and to explore the associations between PPE use and self-reported injuries or diseases in this occupational context.We developed generalized multilevel multinomial logistic regressions for the agricultural safety and health survey data from 2018 and 2020. Our models aimed to explore associations between PPE use, covariates, and their impact on skin diseases, hearing loss, and respiratory diseases. The hierarchical structure of the data was accommodated by designating the survey year as the level-3 variable and the state of residence as the level-2 variable, further delineating the nested structure of the respondents. We proposed using Adaptive Quadrature methods to approximate marginal maximum likelihood function, along with Gauss-Hermite quadrature weights when estimating fixed-effects and random effects in the proposed models. Missing data in this hierarchical structure were addressed through a multiple imputation method.Our findings revealed older age is associated with lower PPE usage across all types. Males exhibited higher PPE use, particularly for chemical (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.47) and respiratory protection (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.52). Producers on grain-only farms showed increased chemical PPE use (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.43) compared to those on livestock-only farms. Additionally, individuals spending 0%–24% of their worktime on the farm/ranch demonstrated lower PPE use than those who spent more time engaged in farm-related activities.The study underscores the importance of addressing low PPE usage among agriculture producers. Interventions tailored to specific groups, such as female producers, livestock-only farms, older-aged producers, and part-time producers, can effectively improve PPE use. By identifying these high-risk groups, interventions can be better adapted and targeted to enhance the adoption of PPE, subsequently reducing the risk of health hazards in the agriculture sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Auditory injuries induced by repeated exposures to blasts reduce the operational performance capability and the life quality of military personnel. The treatment for blast-induced progressive hearing damage is lacking. We have recently investigated the therapeutic function of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, to mitigate blast-induced hearing damage in the animal model of chinchilla, under different blast intensities, wearing earplugs (EPs) or not during blasts, and drug-treatment plan. The goal of this study was to investigate the therapeutical function of liraglutide by comparing the results obtained under different conditions. Materials and Methods Previous studies on chinchillas from two under-blast ear conditions (EP/open), two blast plans (G1: 6 blasts at 3–5 psi or G2:3 blasts at 15–25 psi), and three treatment plans (blast control, pre-blast drug treatment, and post-blast drug treatment) were summarized. The auditory brainstem response (ABR), distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), and middle latency response (MLR) recorded within 14 days after the blasts were used. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of liraglutide under different conditions Results ABR threshold shifts indicated that the conditions of the EP and open ears were substantially different. Results from EP chinchillas indicated that the pre-blast treatment reduced the acute ABR threshold elevation on the day of blasts, and the significance of such an effect increased with the blast level. Liraglutide-treated open chinchillas showed lower ABR threshold shifts at the later stage of the experiment regardless of the blast levels. The DPOAE was less damaged after G2 blasts compared to G1 when pre-blast liraglutide was administrated. Lower post-blast MLR amplitudes were observed in the pre-blast treatment groups. Conclusions This study indicated that the liraglutide mitigated the blast-induced auditory injuries. In EP ears, the pre-blast administration of liraglutide reduced the severity of blast-induced acute damage in ears with EP protection, especially under G2. In animals with open ears, the effect of liraglutide on the restoration of hearing increased with time. The liraglutide potentially benefits post-blast hearing through multiple approaches with different mechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational noise exposure continues to be a prevalent hazard in many industries. While the proliferation of noise dosimeters and wearable devices has made it easier to assess a worker's exposure to noise, many employees exposed to hazardous (i.e., >85 dBA) levels of noise may go their entire career without ever having their personal noise levels measured. In contrast to other occupational exposures, noise is easily perceived by the individual exposed, allowing them to develop subjective judgments regarding its characteristics. To determine whether such self-reported exposures to occupational noise are associated with hearing loss, this analysis used audiometric data and self-reported occupational exposure to loud noise from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which has collected such data from 1999 to May 2020. Linear and logistic regressions models found a statistically significant association between self-reported noise exposure and worsened hearing at the 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz hearing frequency as well as an elevated odds ratio for the development of hearing loss greater than 25 dB at the 2, 3, and 4 kHz audiometric frequencies. The results of this analysis suggest that in the absence of exposure measurements, workers are likely able to detect exposure to hazardous levels of noise. In these instances, additional measurements should be collected to determine if the workers should be enrolled in a hearing conservation program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hearing disorders are common among music professionals, as they are frequently exposed to sound levels exceeding 100 dB(A). By assessing auditory fatigue, situations that are deleterious for hearing could be identified, allowing the deployment of preventive measures before permanent impairment occurs. However, little is known about the factors contributing to auditory fatigue. The objective is to determine the exposure parameters most influencing auditory fatigue during occupational exposure to amplified music. Design: Auditory fatigue was defined as variations of both pure tone auditory (ΔPTA) and efferent reflex thresholds (ΔER) during the workday. Noise exposure was monitored and information on the volunteers was gathered using a questionnaire. Study sample: The population consisted of 43 adult volunteers exposed to amplified music (sound, light or stage technicians, security agents, barmen) and 24 unexposed administrative agents. Results: ΔPTA and ΔER were positively correlated with the energy of noise exposure and its stability over time, i.e a steady noise tends to create more auditory fatigue. Conclusion: In addition to a global decrease of music levels and a systematic use of hearing protection, our results advocate for the provision of quiet periods within noise exposures as they reduce auditory fatigue accumulation and long-term risks for hearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain a precise finite-element model (FEM) for analyzing the dynamic response of corroded beams at high temperatures, a stepwise FEM modification strategy is proposed based on the improved extreme learning machine. Three concrete beams were designed and cast, and the dynamic response characteristics of corroded concrete beams at room temperature and high temperature are discussed. Firstly, electrical accelerated corrosion tests and vibration tests were conducted on simply supported beams at room temperature. The fundamental frequencies of concrete beams under different corrosion ratios were measured. The attenuation law of fundamental frequency with corrosion ratio also was studied. Subsequently, the FEM under different corrosion ratios was modified. The bond-slip between steel bars and concrete under different degrees of corrosion was considered during the correction process. Finally, a vibration test at high temperature was performed. The modal attenuation law of corroded beams at high temperatures was analyzed. Based on the modified FEM, numerical analysis at high temperature was performed. The proposed FEM modification strategy and the study of the attenuation regularities of modal information under fire exposure provide a foundation for further research on the damage development of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams under fire exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged exposure to high-intensity noise environments in urban rail transit systems can negatively impact the health and work efficiency of drivers. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the noise pattern and, therefore, effective mitigation strategies. To control the noise in urban rail transit systems, this study proposes a comprehensive noise assessment framework, including metrics such as average sound pressure level, peak sound pressure level, percentile sound pressure levels, dynamic range, main frequency component, and cumulative time energy to evaluate the noise characteristics. We also employ a density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) method to identify the noise patterns with the evaluation of their hazard to urban rail transit drivers. The results have revealed that: (1) The equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq) in the cab of Lanzhou Urban Rail Transit Line 1 averages 87.12 dB, with a standard deviation of 8.52 dB, which reveals a high noise intensity with substantial fluctuations. (2) Ten noise patterns were identified, with frequencies varying from 14.47 Hz to 69.70 Hz and Leq varying from 60 dB to 115 dB. (3) The major noise sources from these patterns are inferred to be the train's mechanical systems, wheel–rail interaction, aerodynamic effects, and braking systems. Combined with the noise patterns and urban rail transit's operation environment, this study proposes tailored mitigation strategies for applications aimed at protecting drivers' hearing health, enhancing work efficiency, and ensuring driving safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In automated hearing threshold determination procedures, prespecified response- time limits can be applied to evaluate whether a stimulus was truly heard by checking whether the test subject reacts to the onset and the offset of the stimuli within given time intervals. The influence of different response-time limits on the threshold of normal-hearing test subjects was investigated. Two-stage hearing threshold level measurements applying the ISO 8253-1 (2010) bracketing procedure were performed. Pre-tests at 125 Hz and 1000 Hz were carried out with maximum accepted response times of 600 ms, 1000 ms, and 1200 ms. Subsequently, thresholds were measured at the seven octaves between 125 Hz and 8000 Hz with maximum accepted response times of 600 ms and 1000 ms. 15 test subjects in pre-tests, 25 test subjects in the main study. Threshold levels determined with a maximum accepted response time of 1000 ms are 2.6 dB lower than those obtained with a maximum accepted response time of 600 ms (95% CI −1.6 dB to 6.9 dB). The threshold shift was similar at all frequencies. Based on this study, response-time limits after both stimulus onset and offset of at least 1000 ms are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are a vulnerable population with a potentially high risk for hearing loss due to farm-related noise exposures. Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is permanent, and it is associated with an increased risk for injuries on the job, as well as communication difficulties, isolation, and depression. The México/US border region is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, however, no known studies have explored hearing loss among farmworkers in this area. This pilot study was a first step toward measuring and addressing hearing loss and noise exposure among this region's farmworkers. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of subjective hearing difficulties among Yuma County, Arizona farmworkers. Survey interviews took place during a late-night farmworker health fair from 2 am to 6 am to accommodate local farms' labor schedules. Multivariable regression adjusted for demographic and work covariates estimated subjective hearing loss prevalence ratios. Among 132 farmworker participants, 36% reported they have or might have hearing loss, and 62% reported no hearing loss. Subjective hearing loss prevalence was lower in farmworkers who report not working in noise compared to prevalence in farmworkers who work in noise [prevalence ratio, 0.44 (95% CI 0.23–0.82)]. This report contributes to understanding the perception of hearing-related health and occupational exposures among farmworkers in the México-US Southwest border region. The information from this line of research will inform appropriate safety measures known to lower the risk of experiencing occupational NIHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor sleep during hospitalization can negatively affect patient health, well-being, and satisfaction. This nurse-led quality improvement project aimed to promote quality sleep on an inpatient telemetry medical-surgical oncology unit. Interventions included distributing sleep hygiene kits (eye masks, earplugs, lip balm, and aromatherapy), educating patients and staff, and redesigning workflows to limit sleep interruptions at night. Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey scores for quietness at night increased from 66% to 76%, with fewer reported cases of delirium postimplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have investigated the health hazards caused by exposure to the noise of heavy equipment used at construction sites. Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport operates a registration system for construction machinery, and regular safety inspections are mandatory. Although workers inspecting construction machinery vehicles are exposed to unwanted noise, no noise exposure assessment has been made regarding these workers in Korea. The time-weighted average (TWA) daily average noise exposure level among construction machinery inspectors at 18 inspection centers was 75.3 dB(A). Among the inspection steps, the exhaust gas inspection step was found to exhibit the highest noise exposure level, up to 100 dB(A). In Korea, if the noise level of a workplace exceeds 85 dB(A) as a TWA, workers are required to undergo special medical examinations. This study found that special medical examinations were required for two of the 18 target inspection centers (approximately 115 workers) as the 8-hour TWA noise level exceeded 85 dB(A). Therefore, regular noise exposure assessment and special medical examinations for noise are required to prevent inspectors from developing hearing disorders due to noise exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has long been understood and acknowledged that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) environment and the transport environments are extremely loud, with both long- and short-term sequelae to the neonate, being well over the recommended amount of noise by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This problem has yet to be properly addressed. The purpose of this manuscript is to define and explain the concept of acoustic neuroprotection. While we cannot change the internal structures of the neonates' auditory system, we could change the acoustics of the environment to be support neuroprotection of these sensitive patients. Evidence acquisition: Walker and Avant's concept analysis steps were followed to create and define the idea of acoustic neuroprotection, as it has not had a definition before. A total of 45 articles from multiple search engines were chosen. A combination of 2 concepts were used: acoustic protection and neurodevelopmental protection/support. The search was expanded past 20 years for lack of research and importance of seminal works. Results: To achieve acoustic neuroprotection, a neonate should not be exposed to sound greater than 45 decibels (dBa) for longer than 10 s, and exposure to sound above 80 dBa should never occur. Appropriate interventions need to include supporting the neurodevelopment of the neonate through therapeutic sound, while decreasing the amount of toxic noise exposure to safe levels. Implications for Practice and research: By further understanding and having a quantifiable goal of acoustic neuroprotection for neonates, neonatal clinicians can work together to create new interventions for how to better protect and support the care of our tiniest patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate adults' habits regarding personal listening devices (PLDs), associated factors such as tinnitus and hearing threshold shift, and their knowledge of safety measures, including the use of hearing protectors in noisy environments. Design: A cross-sectional survey was designed and distributed online. Study Sample: Participants between the ages of 18 and 40 years were invited to complete the survey. The online survey was filled out by 274 individuals with an average age of 24.2 years (SD= 5.1 years). Based on age, the participants were grouped into young adults (18– 23 years old, 151 participants) and adults (24– 40 years old, 123 participants). The estimation of noise exposure was calculated based on self-reported responses of PLD use. Two categories emerged from this calculation: the participants with exposure lower than 80 dB were in the low exposure category (N: 196, 62.9 dB), while the participants with exposure higher than 80 dB were in the high exposure category (N: 78, 89.9 dB). Results: Based on the age categories, most of the questionnaire answers were similar between the young adults and the adults, revealing similar habits in using their PLDs. However, the investigation based on exposure revealed differences, as the participants with high exposure levels were more likely to have hobbies that involved noise, and they were less likely to obtain hearing evaluations. Among the participants, 30% used their devices at the maximum volume level and on a daily basis. 33.5% reported experiencing worsening in hearing, 2.4% reported persistent tinnitus, 94.1% knew that hearing protectors were available but only 20.7% reported using hearing protectors. Conclusion: The study concludes that adults are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening habits. A discrepancy between knowledge and practice is apparent and needs to be addressed in young adults by increasing awareness of hearing loss, hearing protection and annual hearing evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the commonest occupational disease globally. However, literature on ONIHL in airport employees of developing countries is scarce. Aims: To assess the burden of ONIHL and its associated factors among employees working at an international airport in Eastern India. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 such airport employees who had been working in the airport for >1 year. By stratified random sampling, participants were recruited from airfield, terminal, and administration sections. ONIHL was measured using a portable audiometer and noise exposure using a sound-level meter. Results: The mean age was 34.1 ± 9.2 years, 89.2% were men. The mean year of working in the airport was 7.6 ± 6.3 years. The 8-hour-time-equivalent noise exposure ranged from 56.6 to 86.5 dBA. Approximately 50% of the employees do not wear any hearing protection equipment when working. Prevalence of ONIHL was found to be 7.6%. On multivariable analysis, higher noise exposure and use of hearing protection equipment were found to be positively and negatively associated with ONHIL, respectively. Conclusion: ONIHL was found to be prevalent among employees working at the airport, and focus should be given on reducing noise exposure levels and ensuring use of protective equipment among the employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The objective of this study was to predict the vascular health status of elderly women during exercise using pulse wave data and Temporal Convolutional Neural Networks (TCN); (2) Methods: A total of 492 healthy elderly women aged 60–75 years were recruited for the study. The study utilized a cross-sectional design. Vascular endothelial function was assessed non-invasively using Flow-Mediated Dilation (FMD). Pulse wave characteristics were quantified using photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, and motion-induced noise in the PPG signals was mitigated through the application of a recursive least squares (RLS) adaptive filtering algorithm. A fixed-load cycling exercise protocol was employed. A TCN was constructed to classify flow-mediated dilation (FMD) into "optimal", "impaired", and "at risk" levels; (3) Results: TCN achieved an average accuracy of 79.3%, 84.8%, and 83.2% in predicting FMD at the "optimal", "impaired", and "at risk" levels, respectively. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) comparison demonstrated that the accuracy of the TCN in predicting FMD at the impaired and at-risk levels was significantly higher than that of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and Random Forest algorithms; (4) Conclusions: The use of pulse wave data during exercise combined with the TCN for predicting the vascular health status of elderly women demonstrated high accuracy, particularly in predicting impaired and at-risk FMD levels. This indicates that the integration of exercise pulse wave data with TCN can serve as an effective tool for the assessment and monitoring of the vascular health of elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise from firearms is well known to be harmful to human hearing. This problem has been addressed by various military units through the use of muzzle suppressors. However, as suppressor technology has advanced, shooters report hearing the mechanical action of gas-operated semi-automatic rifles (ArmaLite Rifle Model 15 style aka AR-15) as being louder than the suppressed muzzle noise. This study aims to evaluate if harmful noise is present in the shooter's ear, even when impulse noise emanating from the muzzle is suppressed. To characterize the impulse noise of the firearm action caused by the reciprocation of the bolt carrier group (BCG) and subsequent impact when it returns to battery (the forward locked position), the muzzle of a rifle was placed through a constructed plywood wall, and the noise of the action/breech was measured independently from the muzzle noise. This research finds that the impact of the BCG returning to battery (132 dBZ) has the potential to be harmful to the shooter's hearing even when the noise from the muzzle is effectively suppressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: This manuscript aims to provide a synopsis of the current situation surrounding noise exposure at work and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in Malaysia. NIHL is an occupational illness that affects most many people and can be prevented in many countries in the world. The production and agriculture businesses and the extraction of natural resources and urban traffic all contribute to ambient noise levels. Working in a noisy environment is the main occupational risk factor for adult-onset hearing loss. In this study, we investigate the prevalence of NIHL across different industries, as well as research publication trends on NIHL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Conducted thorough several online databases, like Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, for related research that had already been published. The review phases were carried out according to the recommendations laid out by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews. A set of criteria was developed for selecting relevant studies. RESULTS: The prevalence of NIHL among workers in Malaysia, varies across different industries and has been reported to range from 5.0% to 82.6%. NIHL has multiple contributing factors, including noise intensity, long-term exposure to daily noise, hearing protection devices and age. A review of these studies found varying percentages of individuals affected by each contributing factor. CONCLUSION: Occupational NIHL is a preventable health risk for workers across industries. Employers must adopt engineering and administrative controls (education and training) and provide personal hearing protectors to protect workers from noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents models to predict median horizontal elastic response spectral accelerations for 5% damping from earthquakes with moment magnitudes ranging from 3.5 to 7.25 occurring in the United Kingdom. This model was derived using the hybrid stochastic-empirical method based on an existing ground-motion model for California and a stochastic model for the UK that was developed specifically for this purpose. The model is presented in two consistent formats, both for two distance metrics, with different target end-users. Firstly, we provide a complete logic tree with 162 branches, and associated weights, capturing epistemic uncertainties in the depth to the top of rupture, geometric spreading, anelastic path attenuation, site attenuation and stress drop, which is more likely to be used for research. The weights for these branches were derived using Bayesian updating of a priori weights from expert judgment. Secondly, we provide a backbone model with three and five branches corresponding to different percentiles, with corresponding weights, capturing the overall epistemic uncertainty, which is tailored for engineering applications. The derived models are compared with ground-motion observations, both instrumental and macroseismic, from the UK and surrounding region (northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, western Germany and western Scandinavia). These comparisons show that the model is well-centred (low overall bias and no obvious trends with magnitude or distance) and that the branches capture the body and range of the technically defensible interpretations. In addition, comparisons with ground-motion models that have been previously used within seismic hazard assessments for the UK show that ground-motion predictions from the proposed model match those from previous models quite closely for most magnitudes and distances. The models are available as computer subroutines for ease of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Modern advanced technologies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have created more noise sources of varying frequencies and intensities, increasing the risk of hearing loss in infants. This study aimed to determine the effect of earmuffs on neonatal behavior. Materials and Methods This study was conducted in the 13-bed level III-A NICU of a 1,000-bed tertiary care teaching hospital. Preexperimental, one-group pretest, posttest design was adopted in the study. Twenty-seven neonates were selected using nonprobability and purposive sampling techniques. The noise level was checked using a dosimeter (sound level meter SL-4030), the baseline variables were collected, and earmuffs were applied to the neonates for 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening for 3 consecutive days. An observational checklist was used to assess neonatal behavior. Results The mean age in days was 2.19 ± 0.96, the mean weight in kilograms was 2.92 ± 0.43, and the mean gestational week was 37.56 ± 1.50. The mean sound level in the NICU was 56.7 + 14, which was higher than the NICU's recommended noise level. The most noise-generating events and equipment found in NICU were human-made noise and ventilator bubbling sounds. There was a significant difference in the mean behavioral score among neonates using earmuffs, as the " p -value was < 0.05." However, there was no association between pretest neonatal behavior with baseline data (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study revealed that wearing earmuffs had a beneficial impact on enhancing newborn behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety and depression are two of the most impactful diseases on quality of life and cause significant disability to patients. It burdens the medical system even as a stand-alone pathology or a secondary condition. These conditions can occur secondarily after a patient suffers from other illnesses, such as upper motor neuron lesions. Binaural beats are a new and emerging type of technology that can be used as an adjunct therapy for anxiety and depression as well as in neurologic conditions to some extent. We searched through the MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, CENTRAL, ISRCTN, and ICTRP databases to identify studies using binaural beats as therapy for anxiety and depression. Twelve articles were declared eligible to be included in this review. Binaural beats, whether used in the form of pure beats or masked by another sound, have shown better results in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to control conditions such as no music or the use of noise-canceling headphones alone. The results suggest that using binaural beats could be a promising and easy-to-use method to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: This study aimed to understand the health of workers exposed to occupational noise and explore the influencing factors related to workers' health, especially the impact of noise on workers' hearing. This work can provide a basis for formulating relevant measures for occupational noise prevention and control in the future. Methods: On the basis of the key occupational disease monitoring project in Chongqing, China, in 2021, the data of 1125 workers exposed to occupational noise were analyzed. Data included demographic information, occupational history, clinical physical examination information, and noise detection information of the working environment. Chi-square test and multifactorial logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence rates of abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure (BP), and pure tone audiometry (PTA) were 21.9% (246/1125), 27.8% (313/1125), and 18.0% (202/1125), respectively. Male workers accounted for 78.8%. Compared with male workers, female workers had a lower prevalence of abnormal PTA (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.16–0.50). Workers working in medium enterprises had a lower prevalence of abnormal BP than workers in micro enterprises (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.19–0.66). The prevalence of abnormal BP and PTA of workers increased with age. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, the prevalence of abnormal ECG of mining workers was higher than that of manufacturing workers (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.07–2.24), and the prevalence of abnormal PTA had a rising trend with the increase in noise exposure value. Conclusion: Noise-exposed workers have a high prevalence of abnormal ECG, BP, and PTA, and factors such as age, enterprise size, and workplace noise exposure are correlated with the aberrant health of workers. Governments, enterprises, and individuals need to attach great importance to the possible adverse effects of noise. They must also actively adopt various effective measures to protect the occupational safety and health of workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major cause of hearing impairment and is linked to dementia and mental health conditions, yet no FDA-approved drugs exist to prevent it. Downregulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cellular pathway has emerged as a promising approach to attenuate NIHL, but the molecular targets and the mechanism of protection are not fully understood. Here, we tested specifically the role of the kinases ERK1/2 in noise otoprotection using a newly developed, highly specific ERK1/2 inhibitor, tizaterkib, in preclinical animal models. Tizaterkib is currently being tested in phase 1 clinical trials for cancer treatment and has high oral bioavailability and low predicted systemic toxicity in mice and humans. In this study, we performed dose–response measurements of tizaterkib's efficacy against permanent NIHL in adult FVB/NJ mice, and its minimum effective dose (0.5 mg/kg/bw), therapeutic index (>50), and window of opportunity (<48 h) were determined. The drug, administered orally twice daily for 3 days, 24 h after 2 h of 100 dB or 106 dB SPL noise exposure, at a dose equivalent to what is prescribed currently for humans in clinical trials, conferred an average protection of 20–25 dB SPL in both female and male mice. The drug shielded mice from the noise-induced synaptic damage which occurs following loud noise exposure. Equally interesting, tizaterkib was shown to decrease the number of CD45- and CD68-positive immune cells in the mouse cochlea following noise exposure. This study suggests that repurposing tizaterkib and the ERK1/2 kinases' inhibition could be a promising strategy for the treatment of NIHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of social isolation, loneliness, anxiety, depression, higher stress, and memory complaints interacting with personality traits as a function of hearing loss. Personality traits have previously been shown to correlate with anxiety and depression, as well as hearing loss, suggesting an effect of personality on the relationship between social emotional outcomes and hearing loss. A cross-sectional survey including validated screening measures was anonymously administered. Measures included personality (Big Five Index-2 Extra-Short Form), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), anxiety and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety), loneliness (Three-Item Loneliness Scale), social engagement (Lubben Social Network Scale-6), and self-perceived memory complaints (Subjective Cognitive Function). Eight hundred and ninety-one responses were obtained from adults between the ages of 18 and 90 years old (M = 50 years old). Hearing loss was positively correlated with subjective memory complaints only when not accounting for demographic variables, personality traits, psychosocial outcomes, and social emotional outcomes. There were additive effects of hearing loss and negative emotionality on increases in memory complaints in those who self-identified as maybe having hearing loss. Higher degrees of hearing loss also increased loneliness, with greater hearing loss negating the positive correlation between extraversion and social engagement. Overall, our results suggest that hearing loss significantly interacts with personality traits and other social emotional measures. Our results suggest that the impact of hearing loss on memory complaints, social isolation, and loneliness may differ across patients with hearing loss in comparison with those who think they maybe have hearing loss. Information from this study may provide insights for hearing healthcare and mental healthcare professionals to better serve persons with hearing loss who may require additional support or interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to map the strategies used in hearing health education with military personnel during the Hearing Preservation Program (HPP). Method: This study is a scoping review, with electronic searches conducted in online databases and gray literature: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, ASHAWire, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses. Only studies describing, analyzing, or evaluating the application of the HPP to active duty or training military personnel were included. Results: A total of 3,478 references were retrieved, and 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The strategies were classified into five categories: focus group aimed at exploring knowledge and perceptions regarding hearing health (five studies), training on the proper fitting of hearing protection devices (four studies), the utilization of audiovisual materials (seven studies), questionnaires administrated before and after educational intervention (five studies), and feedback survey concerning the implemented hearing health education (three studies). Conclusion: There are five strategies that aimed at assessing knowledge and attitudes, improving hearing health education, facilitating information access, and evaluating the applied actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a highly prevalent form of sensorineural hearing damage that has significant negative effects on individuals of all ages and there are no effective drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. In this study, we unveil the potential of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle assembly (SPIOCA) to reshape the dysbiosis of gut microbiota for treating NIHL. This modulation inhibits intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress responses, protecting the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Consequently, it reduces the transportation of pathogens and inflammatory factors from the bloodstream to the cochlea. Additionally, gut microbiota-modulated SPIOCA-induced metabolic reprogramming in the gut–inner ear axis mainly depends on the regulation of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway, which further contributes to the restoration of hearing function. Our study confirms the role of the microbiota–gut–inner ear axis in NIHL and provides a novel alternative for the treatment of NIHL and other microbiota dysbiosis-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing loss is one of the most common types of disability; however, there is only one FDA-approved drug to prevent any type of hearing loss. Treatment with the highly effective chemotherapy agent, cisplatin, and exposure to high-decibel noises are two of the most common causes of hearing loss. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, a phosphorylation cascade consisting of RAF, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2, has been implicated in both types of hearing loss. Pharmacologically inhibiting BRAF or ERK1/2 is protective against noise- and cisplatin-induced hearing loss in multiple mouse models. Trametinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, protects from cisplatin-induced outer hair cell death in mouse cochlear explants; however, to the best of our knowledge, inhibiting MEK1/2 has not yet been shown to be protective against hearing loss in vivo. In this study, we demonstrate that trametinib protects against cisplatin-induced hearing loss in a translationally relevant mouse model and does not interfere with cisplatin's tumor-killing efficacy in cancer cell lines. Higher doses of trametinib were toxic to mice when combined with cisplatin, but lower doses of the drug were protective against hearing loss without any known toxicity. Trametinib also protected mice from noise-induced hearing loss and synaptic damage. This study shows that MEK1/2 inhibition protects against both insults of hearing loss, as well as that targeting all three kinases in the MAPK pathway protects mice from cisplatin- and noise-induced hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This report provides the experimental, clinical, theoretical, and historical background that motivated a patented transitional intervention and its implementation and evaluation in a field trial for mitigation of debilitating loudness based hyperacusis (LH). Background and Rationale: Barriers for ameliorating LH, which is differentiated here from other forms of hyperacusis, are delineated, including counterproductive management and treatment strategies that may exacerbate the condition. Evidence for hyper-gain central auditory processes as the bases for LH and the associated LH-induced distress and stress responses are presented. This presentation is followed by an overview of prior efforts to use counseling and therapeutic sound as interventional tools for recalibrating the hyper-gain LH response. We also consider previous efforts to use output-limiting sound protection devices in the management of LH. This historical background lays the foundation for our transitional intervention protocol and its implementation and evaluation in a field trial. Conclusions: The successful implementation and evaluation of a transitional intervention, which we document in the outcomes of a companion proof-of concept field trial in this issue, build on our prior efforts and those of others to understand, manage, and treat hyperacusis. These efforts to overcome significant barriers and vexing long-standing challenges in the management and treatment of LH, as reviewed here, are the pillars of the transitional intervention and its primary components, namely, counseling combined with protective sound management and therapeutic sound, which we detail in separate reports in this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We present results from a 6-month field trial of a transitional intervention for debilitating primary hyperacusis, including a combination of structured counseling; promotion of safe, comfortable, and healthy sound exposure; and therapeutic broadband sound from sound generators. This intervention is designed to overcome barriers to successful delivery of therapeutic sound as a tool to downregulate neural hyperactivity in the central auditory pathways (i.e., the maladaptive mechanism believed to account for primary hyperacusis) and, together with the counseling, reduce the associated negative emotional and physiological reactions to debilitating hyperacusis. Method: Twelve adults with normal or near-normal audiometric thresholds, complaints consistent with their pretreatment loudness discomfort levels ≤ 75 dB HL at multiple frequencies, and hearing questionnaire scores ≥ 24 completed the sound therapy–based intervention. The low-level broadband therapeutic sound was delivered by ear-level devices fitted bilaterally with either occluding earpieces and output-limiting loudness suppression (LS; to limit exposure to offensive sound levels) or open domes to maximize comfort and exposure to sound therapy. Thresholds for LS (primary outcome) were incrementally adjusted across six monthly visits based on treatment-driven change in loudness judgments for running speech in sound field. Secondary outcomes included categorical loudness judgments, speech understanding, and questionnaires to assess the hyperacusis problem, quality of life, and depression. An exit survey assessed satisfaction with and benefit from the intervention and the counseling, therapeutic sound, and LS components. Results: The mean change in LS (34.8 dB) was highly significant (effect size = 2.045). Eleven of 12 participants achieved ≥ 16-dB change in LS, consistent with highly significant change in sound-based questionnaire scores. Exit surveys indicated satisfaction with and benefit from the intervention. Conclusion: The transitional intervention was successful in improving the hyperacusis conditions of 11 of 12 study participants while reducing their sound avoidance behaviors and reliance on sound protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This clinical focus article describes a structured counseling protocol for use with protected sound management and therapeutic sound in a transitional intervention for debilitating hyperacusis. The counseling protocol and its associated visual aids are crafted as a teaching tool to educate affected individuals about hyperacusis and encourage their acceptance of a transitional intervention. Description of Counseling Components: The counseling protocol includes five components. First, the patient’s audiometric results are reviewed with the patient, and the transitional intervention is introduced. An overview of peripheral auditory structures and central neural pathways and the concept of central gain are covered in the second and third components. Maladaptive hyper-gain processes within the auditory neural pathways, which underlie the hyperacusis condition, and associated connections with nonauditory processes responsible for negative reactions to hyperacusis are covered in the fourth component. Detrimental effects from misused hearing protection devices (HPDs) and the necessity to wean the patient from overuse of HPDs are also discussed. In the fifth component, the importance of therapeutic sound is introduced as a tool to downregulate hyper-gain activity within the auditory pathways; its implementation in uncontrolled and controlled sound environments is described. It is explained that, over the course of the transitional intervention, recalibration of the hyper-gain processes will be ongoing, leading to restoration of normal homeostasis within the auditory pathways. In turn, associated activation of reactive nonauditory processes, which contribute to hyperacusis-related distress, will be reduced or eliminated. As recalibration progresses, there will be less need for protected sound management and sound therapy. Sound tolerance will improve, hyperacusis will subside, and daily activities in typical healthy sound environments will again become routine. Results and Conclusion: The combination of counseling with protected sound management and therapeutic sound is highlighted in companion reports, including a summary of the outcomes of a successful trial of the transitional intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared recruitment of participants at high risk for glaucoma and other eye diseases in three community-based studies designed to improve access to eye care in underserved populations in New York City, Alabama, and Michigan. We used (1) participant data collected at enrollment (e.g. demographic, medical conditions, healthcare access, and method of hearing about study) and (2) interviews with study staff to assess effective recruitment strategies in enrolling people at high risk for eye disease. We analyzed participant data using descriptive statistics and interview data using content analysis to categorize responses to questions. In these community-based studies, all sites recruited greater proportions of populations with increased risk of eye disease compared to their estimates in the US population. High-risk characteristics varied based on the setting (i.e. Federally Qualified Health Centers or affordable housing buildings). Older adults represented 35% to 57%; 43% to 56% identified as Black; 1% to 40% as Hispanic/Latino; 20% to 42% reported a family history of glaucoma; 32% to 61% reported diabetes; and 50% to 67% reported high blood pressure. Social risk factors for under-utilization of eye care due to poverty included that 43% to 70% of participants had high school or lower education; 16% to 40% were employed; and 7% and 31% had no health insurance. From a qualitative perspective, active, personalized, culturally sensitive methods were most effective in recruiting participants. Implementing eye disease detection interventions in community-based settings facilitated recruiting individuals at high risk for glaucoma and other eye diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High deoxynivalenol (DON) levels in corn (Zea mays L.) is a grain quality issue for many growers in the US Great Lakes region. High DON levels can be attributed to the interaction of environment, pathogen (Fusarium spp. causing ear rot), and hybrid susceptibility. However, ear‐feeding insects can provide easy access for fungal infection and increase DON accumulation, hence the evaluation of insect protection strategies such as hybrid insecticidal proteins is crucial. Field trials were conducted at four locations in Michigan to study the impact of hybrids insect protection trait on ear injury, ear rot infection, and DON levels. Fungicide application (prothioconazole at silking stage) was conducted at two locations and included non‐treated control. Insect feeding incidence (IFI) and ear rot incidence (ERI) were correlated at three locations but were stronger at locations with environments not conducive to fungal growth soon after silking. Correlation between IFI and DON was observed only at locations with highest insect pressure. Hybrid with Vip3A protein reduced IFI by >70% at all locations but lowered DON concentration at one out of three tested locations compared to non‐Vip3A hybrids. Fungicide application reduced ear rot severity at one of two locations but did not impact ERI or DON levels. Overall, results showed that ear‐feeding by insects can lead to an increase in ear rot and DON levels, and use of hybrids with Vip3A protein can reduce DON levels especially under high insect pressure. Core Ideas: Ear‐feeding by insects can lead to ear rot infection and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation in corn grain.Use of effective insect protection trait in hybrid selection reduced ear injury by >70% and can lower DON levels.Fungicide application reduced ear rot at one location but did not impact DON levels at both study locations.Optimal DON management strategies might vary based on field‐specific environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive occupational exposure to noise results in a well-recognized occupational hearing loss which is prevalent in many workplaces and now it is taken as a global problem. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and associated factors among workers in the Bishoftu Central Air Base in Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 central air base workers through face-to-face interviews, an environment noise survey, and an audiometric test for data collection. Data were entered by Epi-data version 3.1 and SPSS was used to analyze the data. Finally, a statistical analysis such as descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis was applied. A P-value < 0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and hearing impairments was 24.6 and 30.9%, respectively. The highest prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss was recorded for workers who were exposed to noise levels greater than 90 dBA. Out of 132 workers exposed to the average noise level of 75 dB A, only 5% of workers were affected with noise-induced hearing loss, while 128 workers exposed to an average noise level equal to or greater than 90 dB A, 19.6% of workers were identified with noise-induced hearing loss. Regarding sex, around 21.9% of male workers were identified with noise-induced hearing loss. Workers who were exposed to a high noise level workplace previously or before the Central Air Base workplace were five times (AOR = 5.0, 95% CI 1.74–14.36) more likely affected by noise-induced hearing loss than those workers not previously exposed. Those workers who were exposed to greater or equal to 90dBA noise level were 4.98 times (AOR = 4.98, 95% CI 2.59–9.58) more likely to be exposed to noise-induced levels than those who were exposed to less than 90dBA noise level. Moreover, male air base workers were 3.5 times more likely exposed to hearing impairment than female workers (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.01–12.0). This study identified that the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and hearing impairments was significantly high. So implementation of a hearing conservation program, giving noise education, and supplying adequate hearing protective devices (HPDs) are essentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this study is the process of determining and managing the risks of noise exposure (NE) for employees at the mechanical department when machining metals on a drilling machine (DM). The problem relates to the increase in the risk of an employee receiving an industrial injury because of NE at the workplace of a machine tool. The impact of noise on the human body depends on the duration of exposure, the level of sound pressure, and its intensity. An important characteristic of noise is its frequency composition, as it can affect the perception of sounds and the human body. Prolonged exposure to noise can damage various systems in the human body or cause pain. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact of NE on workers and devise measures to reduce the negative impact on their health and work productivity. The research is based on real-time noise measurements followed by their decomposition into octave frequencies and modeling of noise propagation in the room with and without the use of various types and designs of soundproof barriers (SB). In the course of the study of NE propagation during drilling on the machine, an excess of noise levels at medium and high frequencies near the noise source was found. An employee who works on DM is exposed to high-frequency noise that exceeds the established normative indicators. Therefore, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment for the machine operator and install safety equipment to protect other workplaces. The use of the latter makes it possible to significantly reduce the impact of NE on workers, in particular, at low frequencies by 20.8 %, at medium frequencies by 15.6 %, and at high frequencies by 17.3 % [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing loss is a major disability in everyday life and therapeutic interventions to protect hearing would benefit a large portion of the world population. Here we found that mice devoid of the protein kinase suppressor of RAS 1 (KSR1) in their tissues (germline KO mice) exhibit resistance to both cisplatin- and noise-induced permanent hearing loss compared with their wild-type KSR1 littermates. KSR1 is a scaffold protein that brings in proximity the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins BRAF, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 and assists in their activation through a phosphorylation cascade induced by both cisplatin and noise insults in the cochlear cells. KSR1, BRAF, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 are all ubiquitously expressed in the cochlea. Deleting the KSR1 protein tempered down the MAPK phosphorylation cascade in the cochlear cells following both cisplatin and noise insults and conferred hearing protection of up to 30 dB SPL in three tested frequencies in male and female mice. Treatment with dabrafenib, an FDA-approved oral BRAF inhibitor, protected male and female KSR1 wild-type mice from both cisplatin- and noise-induced hearing loss. Dabrafenib treatment did not enhance the protection of KO KSR1 mice, providing evidence dabrafenib works primarily through the MAPK pathway. Thus, either elimination of the KSR1 gene expression or drug inhibition of the MAPK cellular pathway in mice resulted in profound protection from both cisplatin- and noise-induced hearing loss. Inhibition of the MAPK pathway, a cellular pathway that responds to damage in the cochlear cells, can prove a valuable strategy to protect and treat hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Music is complex. There are risks to hearing health associated with playing due to excessive sound exposure. Face the Music is an on-going cross-sectional project to assess the risks to unamplified classical musicians. Key findings over the first fifteen years are presented based on the research undertaken with a leading conservatoire on more than 5000 classical music students. The work covers hearing health surveillance, education and awareness, sound exposure, and new technology. The future of the research programme is discussed along with opportunities in objective hearing health assessment and new acoustic solutions. A lot has changed in fifteen years, but the research was driven by a change in United Kingdom legislation. It is hoped that the research results can inform future regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The real-ear probe microphone system provides a powerful tool to individual hearing aid fittings accounting for your patient's hearing and ear canal characteristics. The primary treatment for hearing loss is audibility, returning an audible signal across frequencies and input levels given the constraints of the hearing loss. This chapter will provide detailed information on the measures needed to individualize the hearing aid fitting and will present various clinical scenarios that will allow you to work with this information and see how you apply this knowledge clinically. You will explore the verification of signal processing and features that allow you to support your patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If there is sound in the ear canal, you can measure it with a probe microphone in the ear. The following are a few examples of how you might use your real-ear probe microphone measures beyond verifying hearing aid fittings, signal processing, and function of features. A process to simulate hearing loss to educate and support family members and patients is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and anthropogenic noise are two of the most widespread human-induced stressors affecting wildlife populations globally. However, the effects of these stressors are rarely investigated together, despite the fact that they often co-occur, particularly in urbanized areas and can have a multitude of adverse effects on species. Here, we compared the effects of heat stress and anthropogenic noise, both when presented alone and together, on the behaviour of wild Western Australian magpies, Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis. Birds were presented with a playback of background noise and a playback of anthropogenic (plane) noise under both heat stress and nonheat stress conditions. Consistent with previous studies, we found both heat stress and anthropogenic noise reduced foraging and increased vigilance behaviours of magpies. Importantly, exposure to these two stressors simultaneously led to a greater change in behaviour, revealing that the simultaneous occurrence of two anthropogenic stressors had a more marked effect on behaviour compared to either stressor alone. This study provides some of the first evidence of the additive impact of heat stress and anthropogenic noise on the behaviour of a wild urban-dwelling bird species. Such findings highlight the importance of considering multiple stressors when looking at the effects of human-induced rapid environmental change on animals, since anthropogenic stressors rarely occur in isolation. • Few studies investigate the impact of multiple simultaneous anthropogenic stressors. • Heat stress and anthropogenic noise are two stressors that often co-occur. • Magpies forage less and are vigilant more when exposed to both these stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brake pads of high-speed trains operate under complex and variable conditions, and the collected brake signals are easily affected by noise, making monitoring the health status of brake pads more difficult. A multi-representation adaptation network for online monitoring the health status of high-speed train brake pads, which are affected by noise under variable working conditions, is proposed in this study. First, a parameter-sharing deep residual network is used to extract the friction block features of the source and target domain data. Then, the features are mapped to different low-dimensional feature spaces through the inception adaptation module, and multiple representations are obtained. The network applies conditional maximum mean discrepancy to align representations of the source and target domains, thus learning multiple domain-invariant representations. Hence, the network acquires more knowledge of the friction block status and attenuates the interference of noise signals on the status monitoring. The friction block vibration data were collected from various brake disc speeds, and variable working condition-transfer experiments under the influence of noise were performed on the brake friction and bearing datasets. The results show that the proposed network outperforms other transfer methods, which can better extract and identify the status features of the friction block under the noise interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hearts of subjects with diabetes are vulnerable to ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI). In contrast, experimentally rodent hearts have been shown to be more resistant to IRI at the very early stages of diabetes induction than the heart of the non-diabetic control mice, and the mechanism is largely unclear. Ferroptosis has recently been shown to play an important role in myocardial IRI including that in diabetes, while the specific mechanisms are still unclear. Non-diabetic control (NC) and streptozotocin-induced diabetic (DM) mice were treated with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in drinking water for 4 week starting at 1 week after diabetes induction. Mice were subjected to myocardial IRI induced by occluding the coronary artery for 30 min followed by 2 h of reperfusion, subsequently at 1, 2, and 5 week of diabetes induction. The post-ischemic myocardial infarct size in the DM mice was smaller than that in NC mice at 1 week of diabetes but greater than that in the NC mice at 2 and 5 week of diabetes, which were associated with a significant increase of ferroptosis at 2 and 5 week but a significant reduction of ferroptosis at 1 week of diabetes. NAC significantly attenuated post-ischemic ferroptosis as well as oxidative stress and reduced infarct size at 2 and 5 week of diabetes. Application of erastin, a ferroptosis inducer, reversed the cardioprotective effects of NAC. It is concluded that increased oxidative stress and ferroptosis are the major factors attributable to the increased vulnerability to myocardial IRI in diabetes and that attenuation of ferroptosis represents a major mechanism whereby NAC confers cardioprotection against myocardial IRI in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are numerous complex barriers and facilitators to continuously wearing hearing protection devices (HPDs) for noise-exposed workers. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between HPD wearing behavior and hearing protection knowledge and attitude, HPD wearing comfort, and work-related factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 524 noise-exposed workers in manufacturing enterprises in Guangdong Province, China. Data were collected on hearing protection knowledge and attitudes, HPD wearing comfort and behavior, and work-related factors through a questionnaire. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we tested the association among the study variables. Results: Among the total workers, 69.47% wore HPD continuously, and the attitudes of hearing protection (26.17 ± 2.958) and total HPD wearing comfort (60.13 ± 8.924) were satisfactory, while hearing protection knowledge (3.54 ± 1.552) was not enough. SEM revealed that hearing protection knowledge had direct effects on attitudes (β = 0.333, p < 0.01) and HPD wearing behavior (β = 0.239, p < 0.01), and the direct effect of total HPD wearing comfort on behavior was β = 0.157 (p < 0.01). The direct effect also existed between work shifts and behavior (β=-0.107, p < 0.05). Indirect relationships mainly existed between other work-related factors, hearing protection attitudes, and HPD wearing behavior through knowledge. Meanwhile, work operation had a direct and negative effect on attitudes (β=-0.146, p < 0.05), and it can also indirectly and positively affect attitudes through knowledge (β = 0.08, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The behavior of wearing HPD was influenced by hearing protection knowledge, comfort in wearing HPD, and work-related factors. The results showed that to improve the compliance of noise-exposed workers wearing HPD continuously when exposed to noise, the HPD wearing comfort and work-related factors must be taken into consideration. In addition, we evaluated HPD wearing comfort in physical and functional dimensions, and this study initially verified the availability of the questionnaire scale of HPD wearing comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the risk level of noise, which is an important physical risk, in small and medium-sized furniture industry enterprises. The noise levels of the circular sawing machines, edge banding machines, and mitre cutting machines, which are among the main processing machines of the sector, were measured. The study was carried out in 32 furniture businesses. The possible risks of noise on the operators of the machines in question and other employees were evaluated. Noise level measurements were made with the help of TESTO 815 measuring device. Dunnett's T3 test was used to detect differences in noise levels for machine operators and other employees. It was determined that the edge banding machine does not pose an occupational health and safety risk in terms of noise risk factors. However, the mitre cutting machine and the circular sawing machine pose a risk for the machine operator in active production by creating noise above the established exposure limit value. The mitre cutting machine carries the same risk for the machine operator when it is in operation but in passive production. The results revealed the need for personal protective equipment for machine operators for mitre cutting and circular sawing machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: College students risk hearing loss due to loud sound exposure during leisure activities. Hearing loss prevention is possible by reducing the noise from the source, using hearing protection devices and increasing their knowledge and awareness on the effects of loud sound exposure. Objective: The study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of college students regarding hearing loss and its prevention. Study design: A cross-sectional study design with a survey method was adopted. A total of 94 college students (mean age: 22 years; range: 18 to 26) who were pursuing an undergraduate and postgraduate degree (50 males and 44 females) formed the part of the study. The researcher administered a standardized self-reported Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour questionnaire. The knowledge score in percentage and absolute scores for attitude were estimated. Results: The mean knowledge score was 35.8 (SD ± 12.18; range: 12.5–75), and the attitude score was + 9.8 (SD ± 7.1; range: − 4 to + 30). Chi square test revealed no significant association between knowledge and attitude to sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusion: The study indicated that though college students lack knowledge, they had a positive attitude regarding hearing health and its protection. These findings implicate the importance of creating awareness and encouraging hearing protection strategies for college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occupational noise is considered a factor contributing to acquired hearing loss (HL) in adults. Frequent noise exposure can cause cochlear damage, leading to sensorineural HL, tinnitus, vertigo, and other non auditory effects as well. Although it is well known that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) plants in India have become a workplace source for occupational noise pollution exposure, there are not many studies that probe into the auditory effects of workplace noise in LPG plants. Aim: The study aims to document HL and self reported otological symptoms in employees with occupational noise exposure at a typical LPG plant in a suburban location in India. 53 employees who reported workplace noise exposure were assessed for HL and self reported auditory symptoms. Method: Self reported symptoms were collected using a custom made case history questionnaire, and auditory sensitivity was measured using air conduction audiometers. Results: Among the 53 participants, 27 tested positive for HL. A mild degree of HL was frequently observed, followed by a moderate and severe degree of HL. In the self reported otological complaints reported by 31 participants, HL and aural fullness were the most commonly reported auditory symptoms. Additionally, the use of ear protection devices and hearing conservation practices among the participants were poor. Conclusion: Hearing loss and self-reported auditory symptoms were present in the study group indicating the effect of occupational noise in the auditory system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]