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Which of the following are ways in which pilots can reduce the risk of presbycusis?

  • A

    Regular visits to an opthalmologist.

  • B

    Using ear protection and noise cancelling headsets.

  • C

    Stopping smoking to eliminate carbon monoxide.

  • D

    Taking Vitamin A supplements.

Refer to figure.
Presbycusis is age related hearing loss. Until we find a way to prevent ageing, we cannot prevent it! Presbycusis is normally conductive or noise induced hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss is usually caused by damage to the ossicles (small bones) or eardrum, a build up of earwax or infections of the middle or outer ear. Normal ways to keep ourselves healthy will help our ears stay healthy; eat a healthy, well balanced diet and don't stick things in your ears that will damage the internal structures.

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is caused by damage to the hair bundles in the cochlea (inner ear). This can be acute (eg from hearing a very loud noise like a gunshot at close range) or gradual (such as repeated exposure to noises above 90 dB). There are sensible precautions we can take to minimise NIHL such as avoiding sudden loud noises, wearing ear protection in loud environments (like an airport) and making sure we use noise cancelling headsets. Caring for our ears by minimising the noise exposure we subject them to will not prevent presbycusis but it will help to reduce the cumulative effects.

Regular visits to an opthalmologist --> INCORRECT. An opthalmologist treats eyes not ears.

Using ear protection and noise cancelling headsets --> CORRECT.

Stopping smoking to eliminate carbon monoxide --> INCORRECT. Whilst stopping smoking will improve your general health, carbon monoxide does not cause presbycucis.

Taking Vitamin A supplements --> INCORRECT. Vitamin A is linked to visual health, not aural health.

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