Noise levels in nightclubs may induce hearing loss

A new study raises concerns about the noise level in nightclubs. Researchers in Southern California have found that the average continuous level of noise in some nightclubs is at least 91.2 dBA (A-weighted decibels). Club goers may suffer noise-induced hearing loss from just one night out on the town.

This latest research on hearing loss and other hot topics within the otolaryngology—head and neck surgery specialty will be presented at the 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO℠ of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) in San Diego, from Sunday, September 18, to Wednesday, September 21. Among the studies slated for presentation on Sunday and Monday are:

Noise Levels in Nightclubs
What are the average noise levels in a typical nightclub? Do they exceed the safe exposure levels set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health? Researchers visit Southern California clubs to find out.
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/155/1_suppl/P100.full#sec-62

Efficacy of Commercially Available Ear Plugs in Reducing Noise
Researchers compare 11 pairs of commercially available ear plugs of different shapes, materials, and noise reduction ratings and assess attenuation.
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/155/1_suppl/P100.full#sec-37

Hearing Loss among Delinquent Youths in a Borstal Institution
Youths in a home for delinquents had significant worse hearing, appearing to affect their academic performances. Is hearing a root cause of delinquency?
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/155/1_suppl/P46.full#sec-20

Upper Airway Stimulation for OSA: Subjective Outcomes after 48 Months
Upper airway stimulation has been shown to be safe and effective in participants with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a large cohort study (STAR Trial) after 12 months of follow-up. What are patients reporting after 48 months of follow-up?
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/155/1_suppl/P156.full#sec-36

Dynamic Particles Re-positioning Maneuver: A New Way to Treat LC-BPPV
Vertigo (LC-BPPV) is dizzying. This study of 475 patients looks at a new maneuver to alleviate symptoms.
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/155/1_suppl/P100.full#sec-34

Neighborhood Quality Is Associated with Olfaction in Older US Adults

Researchers demonstrate that both indoor and outdoor neighborhood quality are associated with the ability to smell. Do neighborhood social conditions explain the chemosensory relationship?
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/155/1_suppl/P144.full#sec-26

A full searchable schedule for the Annual Meeting is online at www.entannualmeeting.org. Abstracts of all the research to be presented are available at http://oto.sagepub.com/content/155/1_suppl.toc.