Psychological profile in noise-induced hearing loss patients: a pilot study

Introduction. Noise-induced hearing loss is a rather prevalent condition and can be distressing for a substantial proportion of patients, althoughresearches describing psychological characteristics in noise-induced occupational hearing loss patients are not numerous. The study aims to find the effects of occupational noise on the psychological status among noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) patients. Methods. Two groups, cross-sectional design. Study sample: 44 occupational noise-induced male forming NIHL patients group (n = 21) and a control group (n = 23). Both groups were tested using the Russian versions of psychological questionnaires. Results. Almost one third of NIHL patients are the highly anxiety individuals as compared with the healthy participants (p < 0.01). Mixed type of response to the surrounding reality combined a high need for self-actualization with high self-control, tendency to inhibit and restrain behavioral reactions, in this case it is possible to “overlap” both neurotic and behavioral responses, which can affect the general overstrain and manifest by the somatization of the internal conflict. In general, NIHL patients use constructive cognitive, emotional and behavioral coping strategies. Patients use both constructive and tense defense mechanisms. Conclusion. It has been established that in patients with NIHL, in comparison with practically healthy persons, tension accumulates, anda tendency to psychotraumatization appears. However, it is currently difficult to determine whether NIHL is a predisposing factor for these psychological characteristics, so further research is needed to determine how significant this relationship is.