Noise exposure burden and hearing protection compliance among Saudi military personnel: A cross-sectional study

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) results from prolonged or intense exposure to loud sounds, causing permanent auditory damage often accompanied by tinnitus, reduced hearing sensitivity and difficulty understanding speech. Use of appropriate hearing protection is essential to minimizing exposure, preventing cochlear injury and reducing the long-term impact of NIHL....

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Military audiologists and occupational health practitioners should note persistently low hearing protection compliance in this population, reinforcing the need for structured hearing conservation programs; no change to civilian clinical protocols is indicated.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Military noise-induced hearing loss remains a major preventable occupational health burden globally, and compliance data from underrepresented populations like the Saudi military strengthens the case for culturally tailored hearing conservation programs.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Cross-sectional study assessed noise exposure and hearing protection compliance in Saudi military personnel.
02Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus were identified as common occupational outcomes.
03Hearing protection compliance was a key variable under investigation.
04Published in the South African Journal of Communication Disorders.
05Findings have implications for designing military hearing conservation programs in the Middle East.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common outcome among Saudi military personnel.

studypartially supported

Tinnitus is a common outcome among Saudi military personnel exposed to occupational noise.

studypartially supported

Hearing protection compliance is inadequate among the studied military population.

studyunclear

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42084185
DOI: 10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1170.
Journal: South African Journal of Communication Disorders
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 3
Population: Saudi military personnel with occupational noise exposure
Intervention: Assessment of noise exposure burden and hearing protection device use

Primary outcomes

Noise exposure burden; Hearing protection compliance rate; Prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus

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