EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF TINNITUS IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS: INFLUENCING FACTORS AND INTERVENTION STRATEGIES IN THE SPORTS MEDICINE

Abstract

Background: As healthcare environments evolve with advances in technology and increasing work demands, healthcare professionals, much like athletes, are exposed to unique occupational hazards that can impact their health, including auditory conditions like tinnitus. Recent trends indicate a rise in tinnitus cases among medical staff, mirroring the stress and environmental challenges often seen in sports and athletic training environments. Objective: This study aims to delineate the epidemiological characteristics of tinnitus among healthcare workers, identify significant influencing factors akin to those in sports environments, and propose effective intervention strategies. Methods: This retrospective case-control study was carried out in various hospitals from January 2022 to April 2024, involving 3,266 healthcare professionals. Data were gathered via a comprehensive questionnaire, followed by clinical data comparisons to elucidate the epidemiological trends of tinnitus among medical staff. Logistic regression analyses were employed to pinpoint the crucial factors influencing tinnitus prevalence and to craft targeted intervention measures. Results: The analysis identified several high-risk factors significantly correlated with tinnitus occurrence: poor sleep patterns, frequent night shifts, limited alcohol consumption, short sleep duration, extensive weekly overtime, and exposure to radiation—similar stressors found in athletic populations. Specifically, logistic regression highlighted that inadequate sleep, excessive work hours, and environmental stressors significantly elevate tinnitus risks, akin to the stresses athletes face. Conclusion: By understanding the parallel between healthcare professionals and athletes regarding workplace stress and health risks, this study underscores the critical need for targeted preventive measures to mitigate tinnitus in healthcare settings. These findings advocate for interventions that could equally benefit similar conditions in sports professionals, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive health and wellness programs that address common occupational hazards in high-stress environments.