hair color and hearing loss: a survey in a group of military men

introduction: it has been shown that low levels of pigmentation increase susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss in humans. for this reason, white populations develop more pronounced noise- induced hearing loss in comparison to black populations. similarly, blue-eyed individuals exhibit greater temporary threshold shift than brown-eyed subjects; still, no strong correlation has been verified between the lightness of hair color and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss. this study was performed with the purpose of investigating a possible association between hair color and the degree of hearing loss due to firing noise. study design: prospective observational study. setting: a tertiary referral center with an accredited otorhinolaryngology-head & neck surgery department.   materials and methods: a total of 57 military recruits were divided into two groups; light-colored (blond and light brown) and dark-colored hair (dark brown and black). the two groups were matched based on history of firing noise exposure (number of rounds; type of weapon) and the level of hearing loss at 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 khz sound frequencies was compared between them.   results: the results showed that the mean level of hearing loss of light-colored hair individuals (20.5±17db) was significantly greater than that of dark-haired subjects (13.5±11db), (p=0.023).   conclusion: the results indicate that hair color (blond versus black) can be used as an index for predicting susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss in military environments. therefore, based on the individual's hair color, upgraded hearing conservation programs are highly recommended.