Association between lifetime noise exposure and audiometric thresholds using the noise exposure structured interview

Abstract

Noise exposure is pervasive in modern society and a major contributor to hearing loss across the lifespan. This study examined how cumulative lifetime noise exposure, measured using the Noise Exposure Structured Interview (NESI), associates with age to affect audiometric thresholds. Fifty-four adults (23–82 years; 25 female) completed the NESI (occupational, recreational, and firearm noise exposure), hearing function self-reports, pure-tone audiometry, and speech-reception testing. Multivariate regression analyses evaluated independent and interactive effects of age and noise exposure on auditory outcomes. Age significantly predicted elevated thresholds across all audiometric frequencies (p< 0.001). Higher NESI scores independently associated with poorer low frequency pure tone average binaurally (p≤ 0.02). Frequency-specific analysis showed significant noise-related contributions at 0.25–4 kHz in the worse ear and at 1.5, 2, and 6 kHz in the better ear (p< 0.03). Higher NESI scores were also associated with poorer speech reception thresholds in the worse ear (p= 0.007). These findings suggest that cumulative noise burden may accelerate age-related auditory decline. The NESI provides a practical measure of lifetime noise exposure contributing to presbycusis.