Prevalence of XXXX in Singapore military conscripts: a role for routine audiometry screening?

@entity393 @entity2167
AIM: To determine the prevalence of @entity2167 in Singapore military conscripts and describe the profile of @entity393 and associated risk factors. METHODS: Population-based descriptive analysis of randomised cohort of 818 Singapore military conscripts presenting for medical examination, using self-administered questionnaire and pure tone audiometry performed for both ears. Main outcome measures are prevalence rate of @entity393 and relative risk of @entity393 by demographic factors and surrogates for noise exposure. RESULTS: Prevalence of @entity393 was 36.7 per 1,000 (95% CI 24.8, 51.9). Of 30 subjects with @entity393 , 19 (63.3%) had loss at high frequency, 7 (23.3%) at low frequency, and 4 (13.4%) in both ranges. @entity393 was unilateral in 17 (56.7%) subjects and bilateral in 13 (43.3%). Relative risk of @entity393 did not differ by age group, education level, race or frequency of personal stereo use. Relative risk of @entity393 is higher in subjects with frequent discotheque visits compared to those who never do so (RR = 2.72, 95%CI 1.09, 6.76). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of @entity393 in Singapore military conscripts points to the need for routine audiometry screening prior to enlistment. This will be useful in assigning military vocations, in clinical case management, and for assessing cases of noise-induced @entity393 attributable to military service.
