Loud noise exposure is a risk factor for acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor of the vestibular division of the 8^th cranial nerve, results in hearing loss, tinnitus, and disequilibrium.  The tumor occurs mainly in individuals aged 50 or more years.  Ionizing radiation exposure is the only well-established exogenous risk factor for acoustic neuroma.  

In our study we examined loud noise exposure as a possible risk factor.  Preston-Martin et al. (1989) had previously found loud noise to be a risk factor for acoustic neuroma in a study of 86 men in Los Angeles county.   In our study we used responses to face-to-face interviews with 146 men and women with acoustic neuroma and 564 controls.  Those individuals reporting at least one year of occupational loud noise exposure and/or regular nonoccupational loud noise exposure were at 1.55 times the risk for acoustic neuroma compared to those who were unexposed.  Those who used hearing protection when exposed to loud noise were at approximately the same risk as those who were never exposed to loud noise.  The highest risk was associated with exposure to loud music, including employment in the music industry, with 2.25 times the risk for acoustic neuroma compared to those who were never exposed.  A dose-response was evident with increasing years of loud noise exposure.  

Our data support the hypothesis that loud noise exposure is a risk factor for acoustic neuroma, however we are not making any recommendations as to the use of hearing protection or avoiding loud noise exposure, as our findings first need to be replicated in additional studies.

Bibliographical reference:

Edwards CG et al.: "Exposure to loud noise and risk of acoustic neuroma", Am J Epidemiol. 2006 Feb 15;163(4):327-33.

Colin Edwards

Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus , OH