Hearing loss is a significant global health concern, affecting billions of people and leading to various physical, mental, and social consequences. This paper focuses on the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among specific healthcare professionals, especially ear surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, dentists, and dental hygienists, who frequently use noisy instruments in their professions. While studies on these professionals’ noise exposure levels are limited, certain conditions and factors could pose a risk to their hearing. Measures such as engineering and administrative controls, regular audiometric testing, and the use of hearing protection devices are crucial in preventing NIHL. Early detection and intervention are also vital to mitigate further damage. This paper proposes the results of a modified screening protocol, including questionnaires, audiometry, and additional diagnostic tests to identify and address potential hearing disorders. Specific healthcare professionals should remain aware of the risks, prioritize hearing protection, and undergo regular monitoring to safeguard their long-term auditory well-being.

Hearing loss is a widespread condition that impacts the quality of life, affecting communication, social interactions, and cognitive functions. This study aimed to evaluate the subjective benefit and satisfaction of using hearing aids among patients since the adoption rate of hearing aids remains low. The study retrospectively analysed data from 133 patients with hearing aids, using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) questionnaires. Patients were divided into two groups based on this median age and sex for comparative analysis. The Mann Whitney test was applied with references to numerical parameters (APHAB and SADL) to assess differences between male vs female subjects and adults vs elderly. The Spearman correlation test was applied to assess the possible correlation between APHAB and SADL. A p-value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results indicated no significant gender differences in most APHAB and SADL subscales, except for the SADL "personal image" subscale, which showed lower scores for women (p = 0.023). Age-based comparison revealed no significant differences in APHAB scores; the SADL scores showed significant differences in the "positive effect" (p = 0.013), "negative features" (p = 0.005), and overall scores (p = 0.039), with lower satisfaction in older patients. Correlation analysis identified a positive relationship between the SADL "negative features" and APHAB "aversiveness" subscales (p = 0.042, correlation coefficient ρ = 0.176). The study highlights the importance of addressing subjective perceptions and aesthetic concerns in hearing aid adoption, emphasizing the need for personalized rehabilitation strategies to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Level 3.

Objectives: This study aims to describe the stress levels experienced by parents of children with hearing loss who use conventional hearing aids or cochlear implants, and to assess the correlation between parental stress and the auditory skills acquired by the children. Methods: The study was conducted at the Policlinic “Gaetano Martino” in Messina, evaluating data from 42 pairs of parents of children using hearing aids or cochlear implants. Parents completed the LittlEARS Auditory Questionnaire (LEAQ) and the Parental Stress Scale (PSS) 18 months after the initial device (hearing aid or cochlear implant) had been activated. Additionally, information was collected regarding the presence of peripartum issues (including preterm birth) or associated conditions, congenital hearing loss, the total number of children in the family, and the number of children with hearing loss in the family. Results: Significant differences were found in the months to effective stimulation (p = 0.026), the age of the children at the time of the survey (p = 0.024) and the PSS score (p = 0.029). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression revealed significant correlations between LEAQ scores and both the months to effective stimulation and the age of the children at the time of the survey; univariate and multivariate linear regression revealed significant correlations between PSS scores and the type of device, months to effective stimulation, age of the children at the time of the survey, peripartum issues, and the number of children. A Spearman correlation showed a positive relationship between LEAQ and age of the children at the time of the survey, and a negative correlation between the PSS scores and the age of the children at the time of the survey. Conclusions: Parents of children with cochlear implants reported higher stress levels than those with children using hearing aids, although auditory performance was comparable between groups. Improved auditory performance was associated with reduced parental stress. The PSS and LEAQ are effective tools used in clinical practice for assessing parental stress and tracking auditory recovery, respectively.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment is increasingly recognized as a precursor to more severe neurodegenerative conditions, particularly in the context of aging. Recent studies have highlighted the intersection of hearing loss and cognitive decline, suggesting that auditory deficits may exacerbate cognitive impairments in older adults, proposing the use of hearing aids to mitigate cognitive decline, and indicating that early intervention in hearing loss could be crucial for preserving cognitive function. The underlying mechanisms of the relationship between hearing and cognitive impairment may involve neuroinflammatory processes and neurodegeneration. Recent studies have evidenced the role of tau proteins and neurofilaments as biomarkers in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: We selected 30 subjects with age-related hearing loss, and we evaluated their cognitive status through the administration of screening tests, which also measured neurofilament light chain and phospho-tau 181 serum levels as biomarkers of neurodegeneration. The subjects were re-evaluated six months after the hearing aid fitting. Results: Patients with hearing impairment presented slightly altered results on cognitive tests, typical of a mild cognitive impairment. At the same time, serum levels of neurofilament light chain and phospho-tau 181 were significantly increased compared to the matched control group. After the hearing aids fitting, auditory, cognitive, and serum values results improved. Conclusions: The results of the study highlight the cognitive involvement in patients with hearing impairment and identify neurofilament light chain and phospho-tau 181 as serum biomarkers of neurodegeneration useful in monitoring the pathology.