The effect of improved hearing protection regulations in the prevention of military noise-induced hearing loss.

CONCLUSION

Hearing protection regulations have improved the hearing test results of soldiers in the Finnish Defense Forces.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of revised regulations regarding usage of hearing protectors of professional soldiers in the Finnish Defense Forces.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The medical records of non-commissioned officers and officers examined at the Central Military Hospital ENT Department from 1984 to 1986 (Period I) and 2003 to 2005 (Period II) were reviewed. The study group comprised 252 persons. Changes in hearing between the two time periods, during which regulations were revised, were investigated.

RESULTS

Hearing test results improved both in non-commissioned officers and in officers between the two study periods, in accordance with tightened hearing protection regulations. Improvement was found, especially in the high frequencies; however, the results were milder than expected, particularly in officers.