Auditory Fatigue
Fatigue
Muscle Fatigue
Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic
Noise exposure and hearing loss among student employees working in university entertainment venues. (1/12)
OBJECTIVES: Most studies to date on sound levels in entertainment establishments have concentrated on exposure levels for the attending public, rather than employees who may be at greater risk of hearing loss. Of particular concern are young employees. The aim of this pilot study was to (i) estimate typical sound levels in different areas where amplified music was played, (ii) measure temporary threshold shift (TTS) and (iii) estimate the dependence of hearing threshold shifts on measured noise levels. METHODS: This study focused on students working part-time (up to 16 h/week) in music bars and discotheques in a university entertainment venue. All 28 staff were invited to participate in the study. Pre- and post-exposure audiometry was used to determine hearing threshold at both high and low frequencies. Personal dosemeters and static measurements were made to assess noise levels and frequency characteristics. A questionnaire was used to determine patterns of noise exposure and attitudes to noise levels and hearing loss. RESULTS: Of the 28 student employees working in the three areas, 14 (50%) agreed to take part in the study, giving 21 pre- and post-shift audiograms. The mean personal exposure levels for security staff were higher than those of bar staff, with both groups exceeding 90 dB(A). The maximum peak pressure reading for security staff was 124 dB. Although TTS values were moderate, they were found to be highly significant at both low and high frequencies and for both ears. Twenty-nine per cent of subjects showed permanent hearing loss of more than 30 dB at either low or high frequencies. The correlation between TTS and personal exposure was higher at 4 kHz than the low and high frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary music may be an important yet little considered contributor to total personal noise exposure, especially amongst young employees. Employees need to be better informed of risks of hearing loss and the need to report changes in hearing acuity. Suggestions are made on strategies for improving the assessment of noise exposure in entertainment venues. (+info)Evaluation of auditory fatigue in combined noise, heat and workload exposure. (2/12)
This study was performed in a climatic chamber to evaluate the combined effects of noise intensity, heat stress, workload, and exposure duration on both noise-induced temporary threshold shift (TTS) and the recovery time by adopting Taguch's method. Fourteen subjects without previous significant noise exposure and smoking history were recruited to participate in this study. All hearing threshold levels at eight different frequencies (250 to 8,000 Hz) of better ear were measured in an audiometric booth by using the ascending method in 2 dB steps before each exposure condition. The test was also carried out after exposure to evaluate TTS at various times. The TTS recovery time was assessed using an audiometric test on all subjects at post-exposure times of 2, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 120 min, respectively. It was found that TTS depended mainly on the exposed noise dose and was enhanced by workload and heat stress. The TTS recovery time is dependent upon the magnitude of the initial hearing loss. In conclusion, TTS driven by noise exposure is enhanced by heat and workload. Further studies are required to evaluate the effects of workload with extreme temperature in a workplace environment. (+info)The efficiency of otoacoustic emissions and pure-tone audiometry in the detection of temporary auditory changes after exposure to high sound pressure levels. (3/12)
Exposure to noise has a harmful effect on the auditory health of workers. AIM: The main goal of this paper was to establish the role of pure-tone audiometry and evoked transient otoacoustic emissions in the detection of small temporary auditory changes after exposure to high sound pressure levels. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional cohort study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 30 otologically normal subjects aged between 20 and 35 years were submitted to pure-tone audiometry and evoked transiente otoacoustic emissions before and after 5 hours of exposure to high sound pressure levels (between 80 and 90 dB). RESULTS: For pure-tone audiometry the largest changes occurred at high frequencies--from 3 KHz to 8 KHz after exposure. The evoked transient otoacoustic emissions showed reduced reproductibility from 1 KHz to 4 KHz after exposure to noise. CONCLUSION: We noted that both pure-tone audiometry and evoked transient otoacoustic emissions had a role in detecting statistically significant changes in the auditory threshold and in reproductibility, after exposure to high sound pressure levels. (+info)Temporary threshold shifts at 1500 and 2000 Hz induced by loud voice signals communicated through earphones in the pinball industry. (4/12)
(+info)Preferred sound levels of portable music players and listening habits among adults: a field study. (5/12)
(+info)Prevalence of noise-induced hearing-threshold shifts and hearing loss among US youths. (6/12)
(+info)Long-term, but not transient, threshold shifts alter the morphology and increase the excitability of cortical pyramidal neurons. (7/12)
(+info)Digital music exposure reliably induces temporary threshold shift in normal-hearing human subjects. (8/12)
(+info)Auditory fatigue, also known as temporary threshold shift, refers to a temporary decrease in hearing sensitivity that occurs after exposure to loud sounds. It is usually temporary and recovers after a period of rest and avoidance of further noise exposure. However, repeated or prolonged exposures to loud sounds can lead to permanent hearing damage or tinnitus.
The exact mechanism of auditory fatigue is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the temporary reduction in the sensitivity of hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea) that are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. This reduction in sensitivity can make it difficult to hear quiet sounds and may cause sounds to seem distorted or muffled.
If you experience auditory fatigue, it is important to give your ears a rest and avoid further exposure to loud noises until your hearing returns to normal. If you are regularly exposed to loud noises as part of your job or hobbies, it is important to use appropriate hearing protection to prevent permanent damage to your hearing.
Fatigue is a state of feeling very tired, weary, or exhausted, which can be physical, mental, or both. It is a common symptom that can be caused by various factors, including lack of sleep, poor nutrition, stress, medical conditions (such as anemia, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer), medications, and substance abuse. Fatigue can also be a symptom of depression or other mental health disorders. In medical terms, fatigue is often described as a subjective feeling of tiredness that is not proportional to recent activity levels and interferes with usual functioning. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if experiencing persistent or severe fatigue to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Muscle fatigue is a condition characterized by a reduction in the ability of a muscle to generate force or power, typically after prolonged or strenuous exercise. It is often accompanied by sensations of tiredness, weakness, and discomfort in the affected muscle(s). The underlying mechanisms of muscle fatigue are complex and involve both peripheral factors (such as changes in muscle metabolism, ion handling, and neuromuscular transmission) and central factors (such as changes in the nervous system's ability to activate muscles). Muscle fatigue can also occur as a result of various medical conditions or medications that impair muscle function.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest and is often worsened by physical or mental activity. The exact cause of CFS remains unknown, although it can be triggered by various factors such as infections, immune system dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and stress.
The main symptom of CFS is severe fatigue that lasts for six months or longer, which is not relieved by rest and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as:
* Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
* Sore throat
* Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
* Muscle pain
* Joint pain without redness or swelling
* Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
* Unrefreshing sleep
* Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
The diagnosis of CFS is based on the patient's symptoms and medical history, as there are no specific diagnostic tests for this condition. Treatment typically focuses on relieving symptoms and improving function through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies.
Mental fatigue is not a formally defined medical condition, but it's often used to describe the feeling of being mentally drained or exhausted due to prolonged periods of mental activity or stress. It can be characterized by symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, mood changes, and reduced motivation or energy.
While mental fatigue is not a diagnosable medical condition, it can be a symptom of various underlying issues, including sleep disorders, mood disorders, neurological conditions, or other medical problems. If someone is experiencing significant mental fatigue that interferes with their daily functioning, they should consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.