Proteomic Analysis of the Protein Expression in the Cochlea of Noise-Exposed Mice

Jong Woo Chung,Nam Kyung Yeo,안윤숙,Ji Won Kim,Seung Hyo Choi,Gil Chai Lim 대한청각학회 2011 Journal of Audiology & Otology Vol.15 No.3

Background and Objectives: When noise-induced hearing loss occurs, destruction of the hair cells is accompanied by mechanical injury, chemical injury, and hypoxia. Proteomics is a powerful tool for protein analysis, as it provides valuable information regarding the biochemical processes involved in diseases, monitors cellular processes, and characterizes protein expression levels. We attempted to identify the proteins associated with the pathophysiology of noise-induced hearing loss, as well as the mechanisms of this disease, using a proteomics approach. Materials and Methods: We used BALB/C male mice. The control mice were placed in a booth without noise, while the experimental mice were exposed to noise for three hours daily for three consecutive days. Cochleae from each group were obtained for total protein extraction. The proteins were separated into numerous spots using two-dimensional electrophoresis. Seven protein spots that were strongly detected only in the noise-exposed cochleae were selected and subsequently analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Results: Approximately 286 protein spots were detected in the noise group. Seven selected spots were analyzed and various proteins identified, including tyrosine protein kinase MEG2, angiopoietin-like 1, heat shock 70 kDa protein, sodium dicarboxylate cotransporter 1, myeloid Elf-1-like factor, disintegrin, metalloproteinase domain 7, and activated leukocyte-cell adhesion molecule. Conclusions: We identified several proteins expressed in noise-induced hearing loss using a proteomics approach. These proteins may help us to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss. Introduction Noise is a common cause of sensorineural hearing impairment in industrialized countries. Millions of people currently have disabilities caused by noise-induced hearing loss and experience problems in communication with families, colleagues, and friends.1) In particular, tinnitus is one of the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss that brings severe social isolation and leads to degraded quality of life. Noise exposure can physically destroy the tympanic membrane, middle ear, and inner ear and can alter the intracellular pathways that lead to cell necrosis or apoptosis, and induced hearing loss worsens. In addition, noise stimulation was recently found to induce metabolic changes inside the inner ear. Possible mechanisms underlying this noise-induced tissue damage are oxidative stress and the reduction of cochlear blood flow.2) Studies have been conducted in the last few decades on mechanical trauma and the metabolic damage of mechanical changes. Vascular endothelial growth factor, nuclear factor κB, glucose transporter-1, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α are thought to be causes of noise-induced hearing loss. Most of them were histologically confirmed by immunohistochemical and fluorescence staining.4,5,6)Proteomics is a powerful tool for protein analysis, as it provides valuable information regarding the biochemical processes involved in diseases, monitors cellular processes, and characterizes protein expression levels. We can understand the pathophysiology of disease through analysis of the proteins involved using proteomics technology, which includes two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). These techniques can be used to produce a high-resolution two-dimensional map, in which individual (stained) proteins appear as spots of various sizes and intensities that depend on the amount of each protein in the sample.7,8)To understand the proteins associated with the pathophysiology of noise-induced hearing loss, as well as the mechanisms of the disease, we compared expressed proteins in noise-exposed mice with those in unexposed mice using this proteomics approach. For this, we investigated expressed protein spots only in noise-exposed mice. Materials and Methods Materials As experimental groups, 8-week-old BALB/c mice with normal Preyer's reflexes and normal hearing thresholds in auditory brainstem response were studied. Methods Experimental setting All mice were placed in separate soundproof booths with blocks to outside noise. We set an amplifier (R-399, INTER M, Seoul, Korea) in the left side of the room and placed an 8 Ω resistance speaker (290-8L, ALTEC LANSING, Oklahoma City, OK, USA) on the amplifier with a 45 degree horn. Anesthesia of experimental groups All mice were anesthetized (Ketamine hydrochloride 59 mg/kg and xylazine 1.3 mg/kg body weight) via intraperitoneal injection. If necessary, we injected an additional half dose of anesthestics. Threshold measurement The auditory brainstem response (ABR) to click stimuli was recorded, and thresholds were obtained for each ear. Hearing thresholds are measured at wave I lowering by 10 dB from an intensity of 90 dB hearing level (HL). When the wave was not definite, we checked threshold lowering by 5 dB. Click stimuli were filtered from 100 to 3,000 Hz, and the frequency was 1,024/min. Noise exposure procedure Ten mice were exposed continuously for 3 h/day to a 120 dB sound pressure level (SPL) broad band click sound for 1-5 consecutive days. In the noise booth, mice were randomly divided into two groups, and their location inside the booth was changed daily so that each animal was exposed to the same level of noise. Ten normal BALB/c mice kept for 3 h/day for 5 consecutive days in the same noise booth without noise were used as the control group. Acoustic trauma was induced by a continuous pure tone of 6 kHz generate...

Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Ground Handling Workers at Juanda Airport Surabaya

Citra Dwi Novastuti,Nyilo Purnami,Nugraenny Affianti 대한이비인후과학회 2020 대한이비인후과학회지 두경부외과학 Vol.63 No.2

Background and Objectives The airport ground handling workers are most vulnerable to noise exposure from the sound of aircraft engines that are quite loud and, if exposed continuously, they may experience hearing loss. This study provides an overview of the profile of noise induced hearing loss in ground handling workers at Juanda Airport Surabaya. Subjects and Method The descriptive cross sectional approach is employed, and the noise level in the work environment is measured by airport apron, physical ear examination, distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) and pure tone audiometry, which were conducted for 89 ground handling workers at the airport. Results The age range that experienced hearing loss the most is 50-59 years (19.10%). The male: female ratio of subjects who experienced hearing loss was 50%:53.24%. The highest percentage of subjects with hearing loss was found in the Area II (export-import cargo) with 68%. Workers who experience hearing loss the most have been working for 17-21 years (76%). The ratio of hearing loss between continuous users of ear protectors and occasional or non-users of protectors was 22.47%:30.34%. Of the 89 total research subjects, 47 were found with hearing based on the DPOAE refer results; of these subjects, 30 (33.7%) experienced hearing loss due to noise (NIHL), 9 suffered in the right ear (10.11%), 9 in the left ear (10.11%) and 12 in both ears (13.48%). Conclusion Based on the DPOAE results, 52.81% of the ground handling workers at Juanda airport Surabaya were found with hearing loss; of these workers, 33.7% workers experienced NIHL with 10.11% observed in each ear and 13.48% in both ears.

군부대의 청력보존프로그램에 관한 고찰: 미군을 중심으로

나원도,한우재 한국청각언어재활학회 2016 Audiology and Speech Research Vol.12 No.1

Purpose: It is acknowledged that impact of noise in the military should be considered due to exposure to the high intensity levels which occur noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. Paradoxically, healthy hearing is a vital role in the performance of a soldier and is important for speech communication during the combat. Methods: This review paper introduces the current US army hearing program including techniques and procedures that govern the prevention of the noise-induced hearing loss in the soldiers and ensure their maximum combat effectiveness. Results: It generally consists of four elements, namely hearing readiness, clinical hearing service, operational hearing service, and hearing conservation. First of all, hearing readiness is to measure the soldier’s hearing threshold as a baseline and classify him into appropriate job position. Clinical hearing service is to diagnose a degree of hearing loss and then decide its temporal or permanent loss with detailed clinical measurements. In the operational hearing service, noise abatement strategies and ideal noise levels for engineering controls are included. Hearing conservation is related to identification of hazardous noise and effective use of hearing protector. Conclusion: Like the US army hearing program, we need to serve the hearing conservation program with technical and administrative guidance for preventing the noise-induced hearing loss of young soldiers, in advance, in Korea.

4 kHz Notch형 청력도의 특성 분석 및 소음성난청의 판정기준 적용분석

정광진,안욱선,박의현,장지원,정학현,임기정 대한이비인후과학회 2014 대한이비인후과학회지 두경부외과학 Vol.57 No.3

Background and Objectives In this study, we tried to study the criteria and characteristics of patients with noise-induced hearing loss by analyzing the pure tone audiogram such as “C5 dip” or “4 kHz notch”. Subjects and Method Out of 553 patients who complained of tinnitus and hearing loss, medical examination by interview, physical examination, hearing test, brain MRI and survey of tinnitus were performed from January 2010 to December 2012, targeting 81 patients who underwent pure tone hearing test. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of 81 patients with the exception of systemic disease or a history of otologic disease, conductive hearing loss, and vestibular schwannomas. Patients consisted of 70 men and 11 women (34 persons on both sides, 31 persons on right side, and 16 persons on left side), with an average of 48.1±12.9 years. 4 kHz notch-type sensorineural hearing loss was compared with contralateral hearing. Results The audiogram of 4 kHz notch was analyzed, and the results were as follows; 0.5 kHz (11.2±9.9 dB HL), 1 kHz (13.2±9.9 dB HL), 2 kHz (19.4±15.4 dB HL), 3 kHz (38.1±18.7 dB HL), 4 kHz (49.3±16.2 dB HL), 8 kHz (27.2±16.2 dB HL). Among all frequencies of 4 kHz notch audiogram, there was no significant hearing loss in 0.5 kHz and 1 kHz, but significant hearing loss was noted in higher frequencies (paired t-test, p>0.05). The contralateral ear showed a ski-slope hearing loss in about half of the patients. Conclusion Remarkable points of the 4 kHz notch audiogram analysis, known as a typical characteristic of noise-induced hearing loss, were as follows; First, there was hearing loss of about 50 dB HL at 4 kHz. Second, the hearing threshold was improved to about 30 dB HL at 8 kHz. Third, the 4 kHz-notch audiogram showed a significant hearing loss in a high-pitched tone of over 2 kHz, but otherwise there were no significant hearing loss observed in 0.5 kHz and 1 kHz. Fourth, even if there were no symptoms, contralateral ear can still show the ski-slope type of hearing loss. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2014;57(3):155-9

소음성난청에서 구형낭 기능의 평가

황인국,문지현,김영효,김규성,정윤건,최호석 대한평형의학회 2008 Research in Vestibular Science Vol.7 No.1

Background and Objectives: Considering saccular receptors are coupled physically with the auditory receptors, VEMP test may provide the information that in the noise induced hearing loss with or without dizziness, damage to the vestibular system, especially saccule is a potential organ with cochlear damage. Material and Methods: 11 patients (22 ears) with HF-SNHL greater than 55dB and 10 patients (10 ears) with sudden hearing loss of varying degree HL as positive control but without clinical manifestations of vestibular pathology tested for vestibular function test was enrolled. VEMP test was done. The results were compared with those of 9-healthy referents (18 ears) examined in the same way. Results: VEMP wave was significantly abolished as twelve of 22 (54.5%) with HF-SNHL, five of 13 (38.5%) and Control group (100%). Though there was no statistically significant relation with P13, N23 latency delay in each group, NIHL showed P13, N23 latency delay trend compared with controls. Conclusions: Patients with noise induced hearing loss showed significantly more saccular deterioration, estimated as negative VEMP responses than did the controls. This suggests subclinical disturbances of the vestibular system especially of the saccule in noise induced hearing loss. Background and Objectives: Considering saccular receptors are coupled physically with the auditory receptors, VEMP test may provide the information that in the noise induced hearing loss with or without dizziness, damage to the vestibular system, especially saccule is a potential organ with cochlear damage. Material and Methods: 11 patients (22 ears) with HF-SNHL greater than 55dB and 10 patients (10 ears) with sudden hearing loss of varying degree HL as positive control but without clinical manifestations of vestibular pathology tested for vestibular function test was enrolled. VEMP test was done. The results were compared with those of 9-healthy referents (18 ears) examined in the same way. Results: VEMP wave was significantly abolished as twelve of 22 (54.5%) with HF-SNHL, five of 13 (38.5%) and Control group (100%). Though there was no statistically significant relation with P13, N23 latency delay in each group, NIHL showed P13, N23 latency delay trend compared with controls. Conclusions: Patients with noise induced hearing loss showed significantly more saccular deterioration, estimated as negative VEMP responses than did the controls. This suggests subclinical disturbances of the vestibular system especially of the saccule in noise induced hearing loss.

1996년도 소음성난청 유소견 근로자들의 청력역치 관련 기초조사

문영한,이상렬,이경남,안연순,Moon, Young-Han,Lee, Sang-Yeal,Lee, Kyung-Nam,Ahn, Yeon-Soon 대한예방의학회 1999 예방의학회지 Vol.32 No.1

Objectives. This study was carried out to analyze the hearingthreshold levels and relating factors of 1,048 workers with noiseinduced hearing loss$(D_1)$. Methods. We analyzed the hearing-threshold levels and relating factors of 1,048 workers with noise-induced hearing loss$(D_1)$ examined by the summary reports of specific health examination results of industries and personal reports of specific health examination results reported by 58 specific health examination institutes and 8 secondary pneumoconiosis examination institutes in 1996. Results. Among 1,048 workers at 510 workplaces, male workers were 1,009 (96.3%) and female workers were 39 (3.7%). The mean ages of workers initially exposed to noise and at present were 28.7 and 47.2, respectively. The duration of total exposure was 16.5 years. Average hearing-threshold levels analyzed by three-divided classification of the study subjects were 43.7dB(Lt) and 42.6dB(Rt). Those analyzed by six-divided classification were 50.5dB(Lt) and 48.6d8(Rt). Among workers with noise-induced shearing loss$(D_1)$, 16.3% was unilateral hearing loss and 84.6% was classified to compensation case. 8.8%(Rt) and 10.2%(Lt) of them were suspected to be conductive hearing loss by differences of air-bone hearing-threshold levels. Hearing-threshold levels of workers in manufacturing industry were significantly increased during the short exposure compared with the levels in mining industry. Among manufacturing industries, hearing-threshold levels of workers in trailer and other transportation equipment manufacturing industry were significantly increased. Age and duration of total noise exposure were not significantly related to the average hearing-threshold levels analyzed by three-divided classification. Hearing-threshold levels of female workers were significantly increased during the short exposure compared with those of male workers. Hearing-threshold levels of workers at the high risk group, ages of 20s, 30s and total exposure duration of less than 10 years, were not significantly increased compared with those of the other groups. However, they were exposed at young ages. The 3 leading industries of workers at high risk group were trailer and other transportation equipment manufacturing, automobile manufacturing and assemble-metal manufacturing industries. Conclusions. This study was the first nationwide analysis of the hearing-threshold levels and relating factors of workers with noise. induced hearing loss$(D_1)$. We found the differences of the real number by the statistics of the department of labour and the expected number of worker' s compensations for occupationally-induced hearing loss estimated by this study. According to the results of this study, we should carefully examine the methods to narrow this difference.

Changes of Serum Aldosterone Concentration after Noise Exposure in Mice

Jong Woo Chung,Hyung Min Song,Gil Chai Lim,임현우,Min Ju Kim,Seung Hyo Choi 대한청각학회 2011 Journal of Audiology & Otology Vol.15 No.3

Introduction Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid (MC) that is released from the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. Several recent studies have shown the stria vascularis has numerous MC and glucocorticoid receptors.1,2) The MC receptor of the inner ear controls the homeostasis of the endolymph by means of ion channels and transporters that exist in the cochlear duct cells.3,4) Deprivation or imbalance of such activities affects the morphological functions of the related cells, which leads to hearing loss.5,6,7)Even though little animal research is available on the relevance of hearing loss and aldosterone, it has been reported that injection of aldosterone to mrl/mpj-fas (lpr) autoimmune mice that have stria vascularis and no hair cell pathology facilitates the regeneration of the stria vascularis to its normal form.8) Since stria vascularis abnormality causes abnormal sodium ion (Na+) and potassium ion (K+) transport, it can be suggested that the enhancement of such transport is necessary to fully recover normal hearing level.8) Recently, it has also been reported that the difference in serum aldosterone concentration between normal hearing and presbycusic groups is highly significant.9) Although there are no explanations available, the decreased serum aldosterone concentration, which affects the expression of Na, K-ATPase and Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC1) on the cell membranes of the inner ear cells, is related to the disrupted homeostasis of endolymph due to abnormal K+ regeneration in the cochlea.9)Aldosterone plays a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis of the inner ear. However, previous studies have tended to focus on noise-induced hearing loss and steroid injection.10,11) Not much is known about the protein changes related to K+ regeneration and the role(s) of aldosterone in noise-induced hearing loss. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum aldosterone is influenced by noise exposure by comparing aldosterone levels of BALB/c mouse before and after noise exposure. Materials and Methods Experimental animals Nine, 6-week-old, male BALB/c mice (Orient Co., Seongnam, Korea) weighing 21-24 g with normal Preyer's reflexes and normal hearing at auditory brain stem response were used. The mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=3 per group; see below), weighed, and bred in a cage. All mice were allowed unrestricted access to food and water. Organization of experimental groups Serum aldosterone was measured in each of the three groups. In the control group, mice were not exposed to noise. Another group was noise-exposed for 3 consecutive days prior to measurement of serum aldosterone immediately after termination of the exposure (0 day after noise group). The last group was also noise-exposed for 3 days but serum aldosterone was measured 3 days after termination of the exposure (3 days after group). Instruments for noise exposure For noise exposure, a sound-proof noise booth was used. Noise was generated by a speaker with input/output resistance of 8 Ω (290-8L; Altec Lansing, Oklahoma City, OK, USA) that was directly amplified through a model R-399 amplifier (INTER M, Seoul, Korea). The amplifier was placed in the left corner of the room and the speaker was placed above the amplifier, with the speaker horn at a 45° angle. Noise-induced hearing loss Noise-exposed mice were rounded up in a cage, placed inside a noise booth, and exposed to white noise of 120 dB peak equivalent SPL for 3 hours per day for 3 days to induce permanent threshold shift (PTS). Noise was generated through Cool Edit 1.52 PC software, and the amplitude of the noise was measured over 120 dB SPL using a sound level meter (B&K, Nærum, Denmark) in the center and each corner of the soundproof room. The amount of noise exposure used in this study to cause PTS has been previously demonstrated to induce continuous threshold change in a study that used the same equipment and conditions.12) Measurement of hearing... Background and Objectives: The study was designed to measure the change of serum aldosterone concentration after noise exposure in BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods: BALB/c hybrid mice with ≤25 dB nHL in auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were used. Six mice were exposed to 120 dB SPL broad white band noise for 3 hours per day for 3 consecutive days. ABRs in all mice were examined after noise exposure. Serum aldosterone concentration was checked by radioimmunoassay in three mice without noise exposure, in three mice immediately after noise exposure (0 day after noise group), and in three mice 3 days after noise exposure (3 days after noise group). Results: Permanent noise exposure-related threshold shift was induced in mice of 0 day after noise group and 3 days after noise group (83.3±2.9 and 88.3±2.9 dB nHL, respectively). The serum aldosterone concentration of the mice after noise exposure was significantly lower than control mice (p=0.046). The changes of aldosterone concentration were 879±137.5 pg/mL without noise exposure, 623±75.9 pg/mL immediately after noise exposure, and 683±49.2 pg/mL 3 days after noise exposure. Conclusions: In BALB/c mice, serum aldosterone concentration is decreased significantly after noise exposure

Occupational Hearing Loss in Korea

Kyoo Sang Kim Korean Academy of Medical Science 2010 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.25 No.S

In this article, current status of noise exposure in workplaces, trend of workers with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and prevalence of NIHL in workers by industry and job category in Korea were reviewed. In addition, trends of research on the audiological effects such as hearing loss from noise and occupational hearing loss from non-noise in Korea were addressed through reports in industrial audiology. Though noise exposure level has improved, noise still shows the highest rate of cases exceeding exposure limit among workplace hazards. NIHL is the most common occupational disease except work-related disease such as musculoskeletal disorders and cerebrovascular diseases, and NIHL prevalence is thought to be much higher than reported in official publications. Noise affecting hearing comes from various sources such as workplaces, military settings, areas with exposure to high noise, and specific noise sources. There is also occupational hearing loss by non-noise including chemicals such as organic solvents and heavy metals, barotrauma, and trauma due to welding spark. Noise affects daily life through audiological effects such as hearing loss and tinnitus, non-audiological physical effects (e.g., cardiovascular), and psychosocial and behavioral effects. Development of systematic and comprehensive hearing conservation programs for lowering the noise level in workplaces and preventing the NIHL, and preparation of technological, administrative system for its settlement at workplace are urgently needed.

Influences of Diabetes on Hearing Recoveryin Noise-Exposed Mice

양찬주,이지원,정종우 대한청각학회 2015 Journal of Audiology & Otology Vol.19 No.3

Background and Objectives: Many studies have reported an association between diabetes and hearing loss. However, these reports were mainly abstractive correlations between common hearing loss and the incidence of diabetes. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of diabetes on the occurrence of and recovery from noise-induced hearing loss. Materials and Methods: We used 5-week-old C57BLKS/J-m wild type (+/+) and C57BLKS/J-db/db male mice as the control and diabetic groups, respectively. In one set of experiments, the hearing levels of control and diabetic mice were measured weekly for 7 weeks. In a second set of experiments, control and diabetic mice were exposed to broadband white noise of 110 dB SPL for 3 hours; hearing levels were analyzed before and immediately after exposure, 1, 3, and 5 days, and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after the noise exposure. Results: The hearing levels of the control group were better than those of the diabetic group at each weekly revision for 7 weeks at all auditory brainstem response frequencies (4, 8, 16, and 32 kHz). After noise exposure, both groups of mice showed an immediate increase in the hearing level threshold at all frequencies. Subsequent threshold recovery was seen in both groups with no difference in the hearing level recovery rates between the two groups. Conclusions: Hearing level with aging becomes significantly impaired earlier in diabetic mice but hearing recovery after noise exposure is similar between diabetic and control mice. Background and Objectives: Many studies have reported an association between diabetes and hearing loss. However, these reports were mainly abstractive correlations between common hearing loss and the incidence of diabetes. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of diabetes on the occurrence of and recovery from noise-induced hearing loss. Materials and Methods: We used 5-week-old C57BLKS/J-m wild type (+/+) and C57BLKS/J-db/db male mice as the control and diabetic groups, respectively. In one set of experiments, the hearing levels of control and diabetic mice were measured weekly for 7 weeks. In a second set of experiments, control and diabetic mice were exposed to broadband white noise of 110 dB SPL for 3 hours; hearing levels were analyzed before and immediately after exposure, 1, 3, and 5 days, and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after the noise exposure. Results: The hearing levels of the control group were better than those of the diabetic group at each weekly revision for 7 weeks at all auditory brainstem response frequencies (4, 8, 16, and 32 kHz). After noise exposure, both groups of mice showed an immediate increase in the hearing level threshold at all frequencies. Subsequent threshold recovery was seen in both groups with no difference in the hearing level recovery rates between the two groups. Conclusions: Hearing level with aging becomes significantly impaired earlier in diabetic mice but hearing recovery after noise exposure is similar between diabetic and control mice.

Relationships between Hearing Symptoms, Attitudes toward Noise, and Use of Hearing Protection among College Students

한민경(Min Kyung Han),김선진(SeonJin Kim) 한국언어청각임상학회 2021 Communication Sciences and Disorders Vol.26 No.2

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationships between college students’ hearing symptoms, attitudes toward noise, and use of hearing protection in two situations: exposure to high levels of sound in noisy environments and unsafe use of personal listening devices (PLDs). Methods: A total of 278 college students completed an anonymous online survey regarding their experience with hearing symptoms associated with their exposure to noise, attitudes toward noise, and use of hearing protection. Results: Over 84% of the college students reported experiencing at least one hearing symptom with limited concentration at the highest rate of experience. When the college students were exposed to noise, there were significant associations between college students’ hearing symptoms, attitudes toward noise, and use of hearing protection in the two situations. However, when using personal listening devices, there was insignificant association between hearing symptoms and attitudes toward noise; and use of hearing protection was associated with hearing symptoms but not with attitudes toward noise. Conclusion: College students’ experience with and perception of noise may influence their behavior in preventing hearing loss. It may be beneficial if hearing conservative programs emphasize educating college students of the negative effects of noise and changing their attitudes toward noise, which can help them take preventative measures against noise-induced hearing loss. 배경 및 목적: 청(소)년들은 여가나 오락 등 소음이 발생하는 활동에 많이 참여하고 개인용 음향장치를 안전하지 않게 사용하면서 심각한 소음에 노출되어 있다. 이에 본 연구는 대학생들의 청각이상증상과 소음에 대한 태도, 청력보호장비 사용 간의 관계를 알아보고자 하였다. 방법: 대학생 278명이 온라인 설문조사에 무기명으로 참여하여, 청각이상증상, 소음에 대한 태도, 청력보호장비 사용에 대한 질문에 응답하였다. 결과: 본 연구에 참여한 대학생 84% 이상이 소음으로 인한 청각이상증상을 적어도 하나 이상을 경험한다고 보고 하였는데 이 중, 소음으로 인한 집중력 저하를 경험하는 학생들이 가장 많았다. 소음환경에서, 청각이상증상을 경험하는 학생일수록 그렇지 않은 학생에 비해 소음을 문제로 인식하였고, 소음으로 생긴 청각이상증상을 경험할수록, 그리고 소음에 대해 부정적인 태도를 갖을수록 그렇지 않은 학생들보다 청력보호장비를 더 자주 사용하였다. 그러나 개인용 음향장치를 사용할 때는, 청각이상증상과 소음에 대한 태도 간에는 유의미한 연관성이 없고, 소음으로 생긴 청각이상증상을 경험할수록 청력보호장비를 더 자주 사용하였으나 부정적인 태도와 청력보호장비 사용 간에는 유의미한 연관성이 없었다. 논의 및 결론: 대학생들이 소음을 어떻게 경험하고 인식하느냐가 소음성 청각장애 예방 조치를 취하는 데 영향을 미칠 수 있다. 따라서 소음성 청각장애 예방 프로그램을 통해, 대학생들이 소음의 위험성을 인지하고 소음에 대한 태도를 바꾸어 소음성 청각장애 예방 조치를 취하도록 도와주어야 할 것이다.