Otoscopic Changes Before and After Shooting Amongst Military Army Personnel
- Author:
Muhammad Izani Mohd Shiyuti
;
Irfan Mohamad
;
Dinsuhaimi Sidek
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Noise;
shooting;
otoscopy;
external ear;
middle ear
- MeSH:
Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2014;10(1):7-11
- CountryMalaysia
-
Abstract:
The effect of loud noise to the army personnel is often identifi ed when hearing loss had already
developed. Acoustic trauma during shooting training can also lead to acute changes in the ear which is
shown on otoscopic examination. This study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of hearing
protective device (earplug) on the prevalence of external ear changes amongst military personnel
during shooting. This is a prospective cross sectional study that was conducted among 76 military
personnel, who were divided into two groups: those with and without earplugs during shooting. Each
participant underwent 3 otoscopic examinations: (a) pre-shooting, (b) immediate post-shooting (within
48 hours) and (c) 2 weeks after shooting. A total of 78 army personnel who were scheduled to undergo
shooting training were otoscopically examined. Eighty three percent of them did not wear earplugs
before. The percentage of infl ammation of external auditory canal and tympanic membrane dullness
increased tremendously among subjects from non–earplug group less than 48 hours post-shooting.
Assessment after 2 weeks showed improvement in around 30% of the subjects. Loud noise has become
an occupational hazard not only to the inner ear but it also predisposes the external and middle ear
structures to some form of injury. Although improvement is seen after some period, a protective
device such as an earplug should be recommended and the usage should be reinforced among the
army personnel involved in shooting.
- Full text:P020150604478354048308.pdf
