Hearing loss in police K9 handlers and non-K9 handlers

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess and compare the hearing of police K9 handlers and non-K9 handlers.

Design: Cross-sectional design.

Study sample: Hearing was assessed on 30 police officers, 12 K9 handlers and 18 non-K9 handlers, from Northeast Ohio.

Results: There were no significant differences in audiologic test results between police K9 handlers and non-K9 handlers. Audiometric results revealed that 66.7% of K9 handlers and 83.3% of non-K9 handlers presented with hearing loss. Noise notches, consistent with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and asymmetric hearing losses were observed for both groups. Subjective questionnaires indicated low awareness regarding the risks and identification of NIHL in this population.

Conclusions: This study represents one of the few studies that focus on hearing assessments in police K9 handlers and non-K9 handlers in the United States and internationally. Significant differences between these two groups were not found, suggesting that K9 handlers do not present a higher risk for NIHL than non-K9 handlers. Nonetheless, the high prevalence of hearing loss identified for both groups in this study suggests the need for increased conservation efforts to raise awareness regarding hearing loss prevention and the need for routine audiologic monitoring for this underserved population.

Keywords:

• Hearing loss
• noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)
• occupational hearing loss
• police officer
• K9 handler
• canine police officer
• K9 officer

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Ohio police officers of Akron, Canton, Cuyahoga Falls, Tallmadge, Copley, Stow, Summit County, The University of Akron and Kent State University who contributed their time and participated in the study. The authors also extend their thanks to those who contributed advice and support for the study regarding data collection and statistical analysis, including Richard Einsporn, Peter Scheifele, Alex Meibos, Regan Everiss, Jocelyn Motter, Madeline New, Gianna Righi, Dustin Covert, Kimberly Schveder and Kyle Reese.

Disclosure statement

The authors have nothing to disclose from this research.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a faculty research grant (207349) from the University of Akron.