2022 NHCA Annual Virtual Conference

The US National Health Interview Survey collects self-reported data on health behaviors and outcomes. A special supplement in 2014 collected information on hearing difficulty, bothersome tinnitus, and history of noise exposure from firearms and loud and very loud noise at and away from work. Odds ratios were calculated to estimate risk using multivariable logistic regression to control for age, race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, smoking, and relevant chronic conditions. As expected, both hearing trouble and tinnitus increased with increasing levels, durations, and sources of exposure. Among males reporting only a single source of noise, risk of hearing trouble and tinnitus were greatest among those exposed to very loud occupational noise for at least five years. Exposure to non-work noise alone doubled the risk of hearing trouble and nearly doubled the risk of tinnitus. Most individuals reported exposures from more than one source. Combined exposure to very loud work noise for 5+ years, non-work noise, and firearms increased risk of hearing trouble more than eightfold and tinnitus more than ninefold. Interventions to reduce exposure from all noise sources are needed.