Noise-induced hearing loss as influenced by other agents and by some physical characteristics of the individual

Abstract

The interaction of noise with a variety of other agents and with some physical characteristics of the individual to produce noise-induced hearing loss is reviewed critically. The review is restricted, for the most part, to publications since 1970. Other agents interacting with steady-state noise that are reviewed here include: (1) ototoxic drugs (kanamycin, neomycin, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, and salicylates), (2) impulse noise, and (3) whole-body vibration. Physical characteristics of the individual that are reviewed are: (1) age, (2) presence of previous hearing loss from prior noise exposure, (3) eye color, and (4) race. Suggestions for future research in this general area are also made. Some of these suggestions are as follows: (1) to extend studies of the interaction of steady-state noise with impulse noise, salicylates, and whole-body vibration to encompass a broader range of exposure conditions, including exposure conditions typically encountered by the worker, (2) to develop an animal model of presbycusis to explore the interactions of noise-induced hearing loss and presbycusis, and (3) to explore the potential interactions resulting from concurrent exposure to multiple agents, such as impulse noise and ototoxic drugs, in younger, more susceptible animals.