Interactive Effects of Occupational Hearing Loss and Glutathion S-Transferase M1 Genotype on Tinnitus Among Noise-exposed Steelworkers

Tinnitus is a known long-term health effect of noise exposure. Whether susceptible genotypes predispose noise-exposed workers to tinnitus remains unclear. This study investigated the interactive effects of noise exposure, auditory function, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene polymorphisms on tinnitus risk.

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Audiologists working in occupational health settings should be aware that genetic susceptibility (GSTM1 null genotype) may amplify tinnitus risk in noise-exposed workers, though genetic screening is not yet standard of care and no protocol change is warranted now.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Identifying a gene–environment interaction in occupational tinnitus risk points toward future personalized prevention strategies for noise-exposed workers.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Cross-sectional study of noise-exposed steelworkers examining tinnitus risk factors.
02GSTM1 null genotype (a variant affecting antioxidant defense) interacts with occupational hearing loss to raise tinnitus risk.
03Both genetic and environmental (noise exposure) factors independently and jointly influence tinnitus prevalence.
04Cross-sectional design limits causal inference; prospective studies are needed.
05Relevant to occupational audiology and industrial hearing conservation programs.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

GSTM1 genotype interacts with occupational hearing loss to increase tinnitus risk in noise-exposed steelworkers.

studypartially supported

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss is independently associated with tinnitus in steelworkers.

studysupported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42382212
DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2026.03.002.
Journal: Safety and Health at Work
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 3
Population: Noise-exposed steelworkers
Intervention: Glutathione S-Transferase M1 (GSTM1) genotype and occupational hearing loss (combined exposure)
Comparator: Workers without GSTM1 null genotype and/or without occupational hearing loss

Primary outcomes

Tinnitus prevalence; Interactive effect of GSTM1 genotype and occupational hearing loss on tinnitus risk

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