Effects of concurrent noise and jet fuel exposure on hearing loss.
We sought to examine the effects of occupational exposure to jet fuel on hearing in military workers.


METHODS
Noise-exposed subjects, with or without jet fuel exposure, underwent hearing tests. Work histories, recreational exposures, protective equipment, medical histories, alcohol, smoking, and demographics were collected by questionnaire. Jet fuel, solvent, and noise exposure data were collected from records. Fuel exposure estimates were less than 34% of the OSHA Threshold Limit Values.


RESULTS
Subjects with 3 years of jet fuel exposure had a 70% increase in adjusted odds of hearing loss (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.14-2.53) and the odds increased to 2.41 (95% CI = 1.04-5.57) for 12 years of noise and fuel exposure.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that jet fuel has a toxic affect on the auditory system.
Kaufman
Laura R
LR
Rocky Mountain Center for Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Utah, 391 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA. LauraKaufman@world.oberlin.edu
LeMasters
Grace K
GK
Olsen
Donna M
DM
Succop
Paul
P
D000328:Adult; D000401:Aircraft; D001299:Audiometry; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D009624:Noise, Transportation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016017:Odds Ratio
D006838:Hydrocarbons