Sudden Hearing Loss after Recreational Noise Exposure

• Grant number: 24/23283-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Norma de Oliveira Penido
• Grantee: Jorge Vinícius Leocádio Monteiro
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, significant hearing loss in young individuals exposed to recreational acoustic trauma has become a public health issue. Objective. To describe the clinical and audiological profile of individuals with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) exposed to recreational noise. Method. A prospective cohort study was conducted involving patients with SSHL undergoing outpatient follow-up with a history of acute recreational noise exposure. Follow-up assessments occurred weekly during the first month and then monthly up to six months. All patients were treated with oral corticosteroids, specifically prednisone at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day, followed by gradual tapering of 20 mg every seven days until the medication was fully discontinued. Results. Eleven individuals were included, with 7 (63.3%) being male, and an average age of 24.2 years. Bilateral involvement was observed in 54.5% of individuals. Only one patient experienced profound, permanent hearing loss with no sign of recovery after treatment. All patients reported associated tinnitus. Half of the participants reported recreational drug use, and the type of exposure varied between New Year's Eve parties, funk and electronic music events, concerts, and stadium games. Most participants reported exposure durations of 3-5 hours and close proximity to the sound source. Discussion. Recreational noise exposures can increase the risk of hearing loss among individuals outside of occupational settings. Variables such as gender, age group, and the prevalent types of noise exposure reported in this study align with findings in the literature. Regarding the persistence of hearing loss after treatment, outcomes varied, reflecting ongoing controversy in related studies. Conclusion. There is an association between recreational noise exposure and SSHL, and the epidemiological profile of affected patients predominantly includes young adult males. (AU)