HEARING LOSS IN IRAQI DIVERS

H. Abid, Alaa; N. Al-Asadi, Jasim; S. Habib, Omran

doi:10.33762/mjbu.2006.46419

	HEARING LOSS IN IRAQI DIVERS
The Medical Journal of Basrah University
Article 10, Volume 24, Issue 1, 2006, Pages 50-54 PDF (0 K)
DOI: 10.33762/mjbu.2006.46419
Authors
Alaa H. Abid; Jasim N. Al-Asadi; Omran S. Habib
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Ear problems, particularly hearing loss, in divers are well known and documented all over the world. Studies showed that they form the most common health problems among divers. However, it seems that this problem has never been investigated in the Iraqi divers population. Aim: This cross-sectional comparative study is an attempt aims to contribute to the better understanding of the extent and impact of the problem among the local divers and to relate certain risk factors associated with diving. Subjects & Methods: One hundred and eleven divers and 222 non-divers were interviewed regarding this problem and examined audiometerically. Results showed that 45% of the studied divers complained of some sort of ear problems. In a considerable number of them the problem is serious. Audiometerically, about 50.5% of divers have some degree of hearing loss. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of hearing loss in divers as compared to non-divers. Furthermore, hearing loss problem among divers was more severe than in nondivers and it was mostly bilateral. High frequencies are the ones affected more. The role of certain proposed risk factors was studied with few conclusive findings; these are the association between hearing loss and underwater blast, maximum depth, duration of profession and underwater diving accidents. Further studies and regular check-ups are strongly recommended.

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