ArticleEuropean archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery2026
Beyond standard audiometry: Auditory dysfunction and steroid treatment outcomes in young adults following acoustic trauma.
Article in European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
purposeThe impact of military noise exposure on auditory function is not well established and may not be fully captured by standard audiometry. This study aimed to evaluate: (1) the effects of military noise exposure on auditory function in young adults using (a) self-reported otological symptoms, (b) standard and ultra-high frequency (UHF; 9–14 kHz) audiometry, (c) distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE); (2) oral steroids effects on audiometric results, outer hair-cell function, and otological symptoms.
methodsA retrospective review of medical records was conducted for 189 young adults exposed to military noise. Participants with normal hearing underwent one assessment, while those with hearing loss or otological symptoms were reassessed after ~ 10 days and 3 months. Steroid-treated patients were compared to untreated controls.
resultsOver half the cohort showed hearing loss in the standard or UHF range. Otological symptoms, particularly tinnitus and aural fullness, were prevalent even among individuals with normal standard-range thresholds. UHF audiometry and DPOAEs detected abnormalities missed by standard audiometry. Partial spontaneous recovery occurred within 10 days post-injury. Steroid treatment was linked to greater hearing thresholds improvements, particularly in the high-frequency range. UHF recovery was significantly greater in the right ear, suggesting asymmetry in vulnerability and recovery patterns.
conclusionMilitary noise exposure leads to a highly prevalent and multifaceted impact on auditory function. Although treated patients showed greater gains, post-exposure threshold differences between treated and untreated patients restrict direct inference regarding steroid efficacy. Comprehensive assessment, including symptoms, UHF audiometry, and DPOAEs, is essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
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