Evaluation of hearing, noise sensitivity, and hyperacusis in taxi drivers

Abstract Background Transportation noise is a prevalent environmental hazard that can adversely affect auditory health, particularly among individuals in vocations exposed to high levels of noise, such as taxi drivers. This group experiences daily exposure to traffic-related noise, which may lead to various auditory issues, including hearing loss, noise sensitivity, and hyperacusis—a condition characterized by increased sensitivity to normal environmental sounds. Understanding the impact of prolonged noise exposure on the auditory function of taxi drivers is crucial, as it may differ significantly from that of non-exposed populations. Objective This study aimed to assess hearing quality, noise sensitivity, and sound sensitivities of taxi drivers who work with daily exposure to transportation noise and compare the results with a control group. Materials and methods A cross-sectional, observational, and comparative research design was employed. 53 taxi drivers (Mean age = 43.00, SD = 7.99) with at least one year of professional experience and 53 controls (Mean age = 41.67, SD = 8.47) were included in the study ( N = 106). All participants were male, and their hearing thresholds were first assessed using a screening audiometer in both ears of air (250–8000 Hz) and bone conduction (500–4000 Hz). Then, Weinstein’s Noise Sensitivity Scale (TR-WNS), Speech, Spatial Perception and Hearing Quality (SSQ) Scale, and Khalfa Hyperacusis Scale were administered, respectively. Results The average hearing threshold of taxi drivers at all frequencies was statistically higher than the control group ( p < 0.01). The taxi drivers’ SSQ scale scores were found to be statistically significantly lower than the control group ( p < 0.01). The taxi drivers’ Khalfa Hyperacusis Scale score was statistically significantly higher than the control group ( p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between WNS scores between the groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Noise exposure was associated with poorer speech understanding, spatial awareness, hearing quality, and sound tolerance, particularly hyperacusis. It’s critical to educate individuals about hearing protection and to conduct routine speech and hearing examinations on taxi drivers and other professionals who operate in noisy situations.