title: Self-reported tinnitus and ototoxic exposures among deployed Australian Defence Force personnel.
abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chemical and environmental exposures during deployment on tinnitus among Australian Defence Force personnel previously deployed to Bougainville and East Timor. Participants were asked to self-report recent occurrence and severity of "ringing in the ears," and identify any chemical and environmental exposures during their deployment. Self-reported exposure to loud noises, heavy metals, intense smoke, engine exhaust, solvents and degreasing agents, and chemical spills increased the risk of self-assessed moderate or severe tinnitus. Daily exposure to 4 or more ototoxic factors was associated with 2- to 4-fold increase in the risk. In addition to loud noises, chemical exposures may also play a role in the development of tinnitus among Australian Defence Force personnel serving overseas.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Military and Veterans' Health, Mayne Medical School, The University of Queensland, Herston Road, Herston QLD 4006, Australia.
authors.forename: Katherine M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Kirk
authors.forename: Annabel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McGuire
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: Tegan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cosgrove
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McClintock
authors.forename: Peter E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Nasveld
authors.forename: Susan A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Treloar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D055884:Chemical Hazard Release; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010575:Pesticides / Q000009:adverse effects; D015995:Prevalence; D057566:Self Report; D012906:Smoke / Q000009:adverse effects; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D001335:Vehicle Emissions; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D010575:Pesticides; D012906:Smoke; D012997:Solvents; D001335:Vehicle Emissions