Smoking and its effect on hearing status: A hospital based study

Abstract

Aims: The present study was conducted with the aim to study the effect of smoking on hearing threshold and to compare it with non-smokers, also to evaluate relationship between the duration of smoking and quantity of smoking with degree of hearing loss.
Materials and Methods: It was a hospital based Observational study of six months. The study included 30 male smokers of age group between 20-50 years and 30 age matched nonsmoker males visiting ENT OPD without ear complaints. Both smokers and nonsmokers were interviewed by using preformed preliminary questionnaire. Smoking was ascertained based on questions related to duration of smoking, quantity of smoking. Detailed history, systemic and ENT examination was carried out. Pure Tone audiometry was performed. Type and severity of hearing loss was determined.
Results: There was statistically significant difference in hearing thresholds of smokers and nonsmokers (p< 0> Conclusion: Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss. It can be prevented by general awareness and early screening in smokers.