Abstract
ABSTRACT Purpose: to validate indicators and parameters to construct an assessment instrument for the Hearing Conservation Program. Methods: methodological research to validate the content and layout of indicators to assess the Hearing Conservation Program, using the Delphi method, as well as the semantic validation of an assessment instrument for the program, in compliance with the procedures used by the European group DISABKIDS. A total of 20 speech-language-hearing therapists participated in the study, answering validation questionnaires. The answers were tabulated and analyzed considering descriptive statistical data, establishing the item content validity index, the scale content validity index, the percentage of absolute agreement, and the content analysis. Results: of the 64 items submitted for validation, two were not considered appropriate. The set of items was considered representative. The validated indicators and parameters provided the means to construct an assessment instrument of the degree of implementation of the Hearing Conservation Program, which proved to be semantically valid. Conclusion: the indicators were validated to meet and represent the functions of quality, control, and follow-up of the Hearing Conservation Program, aiding administrators to carry out their responsibilities and making it possible to construct evaluative instruments.
Highlights
The control of risk conditions and the improvement of work settings are central aspects of the actions aimed at occupational health promotion and protection
The hearing conservation program (HCP) is a dynamic and continuous process involving a set of actions aimed at noise control, audiometric monitoring, collective and personal protection, and health instruction, whose goal is to protect the workers’ health by preventing the onset or worsening of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in the workplace
Considering the HCP Logical Operating Model, 64 indicators were defined, 28 items referring to the structure component, and 36, to the processes, which were the basis to create the first version of the AJM of the HCP
Summary
The control of risk conditions and the improvement of work settings are central aspects of the actions aimed at occupational health promotion and protection. They identify and evaluate the risk conditions present in the work setting, characterizing the exposure, quantifying these conditions, implementing measures, and assessing them[1]. Service Order 608, issued by the Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS – National Social Security Institute) on August 5, 1998, establishes the technical norms regarding sensorineural hearing loss due to continuous occupational exposure to high sound pressure levels and provides the means to implement the hearing conservation program (HCP), listing indispensable steps to maintain its effectiveness[2]. There are difficulties resulting from the program implementation, besides the little assessment experience on the part of those involved[5]
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