Exposure to cacophony regularly for a longer period of time makes a person 1.5 times more likely to develop a noncancerous tumor known as acoustic neuroma, which results in hearing loss, according to a study by Ohio State University.
Colin Edwards, a doctoral student in the School of Public Health at The Ohio State University said: “It's not surprising that the longer that people are exposed to loud noise, the greater their chances become for developing the tumor.”
According to researchers, loud noise of any type beginning at 80 decibels emanating from any source, such as motors, machinery, music construction equipment, screaming children, vehicles and more, can cause this tumor.
The study analyzed 146 people with acoustic neuroma and 564 people without any traces of this tumor. All were quizzed about their exposure to loud noise over the years and the kind of hearing protection, if any, they had used.
However, noise levels from variegated sources impacted differently. For instance, those exposed to loud music were 2.5 times more at risk of getting a tumor and those continuously listening to high decibel sounds from power tools and machines were 1.8 times risk prone. Persons exposed to loud noise emanating from bars/restaurants, screaming children, sports events and so forth were 1.3 times risk prone.
The period of time that a person is exposed to loud noise is also a factor in a person contracting this tumor.
Using hearing protection was less likely to cause neuroma, the study revealed.
Acoustic neuroma is said to grow slowly and becomes accentuated at the age of around 50. Though, the researchers added that the tumor is not rampant as it accounts for only around 6 to 10 percent of the tumors caused within the skull.
Early detection can help remove the tumor surgically, they said.
The results of the study are accessible in the online edition of the American Journal of Epidemiology. They will appear in its printed edition dated February 15.
