Original Research Noise exposure burden and hearing protection compliance among Saudi military personnel: A cross-sectional study

Ahmad A. Alanazi, AlHanouf N. Alhathal, Abrar M. Almutairi, Nada S. Alrawdhan, Maryam A. Alrashied

South African Journal of Communication Disorders | Vol 73, No 1 | a1170 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1170 | © 2026 Ahmad A. Alanazi, AlHanouf N. Alhathal, Abrar M. Almutairi, Nada S. Alrawdhan, Maryam A. Alrashied | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 13 December 2025 | Published: 09 April 2026

About the author(s) Ahmad A. Alanazi, Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
AlHanouf N. Alhathal, Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Abrar M. Almutairi, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Research Unit, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Nada S. Alrawdhan, Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Maryam A. Alrashied, Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) results from prolonged or intense exposure to loud sounds, causing permanent auditory damage often accompanied by tinnitus, reduced hearing sensitivity and difficulty understanding speech. Use of appropriate hearing protection is essential to minimizing exposure, preventing cochlear injury and reducing the long-term impact of NIHL.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess noise exposure experiences, their effects on hearing sensitivity and the use of hearing protection among Saudi military personnel.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered Arabic questionnaire developed after a literature review and consultation with a focus group. Copies were distributed to military personnel visiting the audiology clinic at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh from 2024 to 2025 and shared via social media nationwide. The questionnaire included 14 items across three sections: demographics, experience with noise exposure and hearing protection and awareness of noise-related impacts.
Results: A total of 256 participants completed the questionnaire; the majority were male (97.3%), lived in Riyadh (85.2%), and were aged 31 years–40 years with a high school education. Most reported no hearing loss across years of experience and exposure to loud sound sources. Notably, 130 participants (50.8%) did not use hearing protection despite being aware that loud noise can cause hearing loss and tinnitus (p = 0.01). Significant associations were found between reported hearing loss and involvement in shooting or use of weapons (p = 0.01) as well as noise source types (p = 0.02).
Conclusion: Although most participants were aware of the harmful effects of loud noise and related symptoms, only one-third consistently used hearing protection. Training to enhance awareness of NIHL risks, along with periodic hearing assessments for early detection, is recommended.
Contribution: This study highlights a gap between awareness of noise-induced hearing loss and the use of hearing protection among Saudi military personnel. It identifies weapon-related noise exposure as associated with reported hearing loss, emphasizing the need for targeted hearing conservation strategies.

Keywords

awareness; hearing loss; hearing protection; hearing conservation; military; noise-induced hearing loss; safety; Saudi Arabia

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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