title: Effects of impact noise on the hearing of military personnel.
abstract: Shooting is an activity that exposes military personnel to noise impact, which may cause irreversible effects on hearing.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate impact noise on the hearing of military personnel that practice shooting.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case-control retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  115 military personnel were enrolled; 65 had been exposed to impact noise and 50 were non-exposed. Firearm noise levels were evaluated, subjects answered a questionnaire and underwent threshold tonal audiometry and otoacoustic emissions testing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average noise level was 125 dB(C). Most subjects (78%) believe that noise may cause hearing loss; nearly all (92.3%) used ear noise protectors while shooting, but most (32.3%) had never received guidance for using this equipment. There were significant differences between the two groups in relation to changes suggesting impact noise-induced hearing loss.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The differences between groups show that noise-exposed military personnel are more likely to develop hearing loss. The goal of a hearing conservation program for this population should be to preserve hearing and educate these individuals about the importance of using hearing protection correctly.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Tuiuti, Paraná, Hospital da Policia Militar, Paraná.
authors.forename: Adriana Betes
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Heupa
authors.forename: Claudia Giglio de Oliveira
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Gonçalves
authors.forename: Herton
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Coifman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004430:Ear Protective Devices; D005389:Firearms; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult