Researchers have developed a new test that could better predict what workers would lose hearing through exposure in work and leisure noise.

The studies have indicated that the inner ear's reaction to noise has something to do with hearing loss. This is most likely genetic in nature.

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The test looked at how quickly cells in the inner ear can recover from exposure to noise. This is done by looking at the temporary threshold shift (TTS), also known as auditory fatigue.

The test - known as the TTS Test - exposes participants to noise between 200 and 500 Hertz at about 100 decibels. Afterwards, an audiogram at 4 kilohertz is played for the participants for 10 minutes.

After only 2.5 minutes, the magnitude of TTS is enough to indicate whether a person will be more or less susceptible to hearing loss throughout the years.

The study followed more than 100 participants from fitters and welders in Austria. Every two to five years, the scientists would conduct the hearing tests.

On predicting which workers would their hearing, the test had an accuracy rate of 82 percent. However, on predicting what workers will not, the test only yielded 52 percent accuracy.

The test is generally inexpensive and can be done during regular occupational hearing tests. People can even do the tests themselves, or go to an ear, nose, and throat doctor with an audiometer and noise generator.

Since the test has a relatively low accuracy in discovering who is not susceptible to hearing loss, the researchers are insisting that the TTS test not be used for selecting employees to work under high noise conditions.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Diseases, approximately 15 percent of Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 have hearing loss from work or leisurely activities.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adds that 30 million Americans are exposed to loud noises in their professions.  

TagsTTS, hearing loss