Abstract
BackgroundHearing conservation programmes (HCPs) are an important aspect of occupational health efforts to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL). In low- and middle income (LAMI) countries, where the incidence of ONIHL is significant, it is important to deliberate on the risk or benefit of HCPs.ObjectivesThis article is an attempt at highlighting important strategic indicators as well as important variables that the occupational health and audiology community need to consider to plan efficacious HCPs within the South African mining context.MethodThe current arguments are presented in the form of a viewpoint publication.ResultsOccupational audiology vigilance in the form of engagement with HCPs in the mining industry has been limited within the South African research and clinical communities. When occupational audiology occurs, it is conducted by mid-level workers and paraprofessionals; and it is non-systematic, non-comprehensive and non-strategic. This is compounded by the current, unclear externally enforced accountability by several bodies, including the mining industry regulating body, with silent and/or peripheral regulation by the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the Department of Health. The lack of involvement of audiologists in the risk or benefit evaluation of HCPs during their development and monitoring process, as well as their limited involvement in the development of policies and regulations concerning ear health and safety within this population are probable reasons for this.ConclusionsIncreased functioning of the regulatory body towards making the employers accountable for the elimination of ONIHL, and a more central and prominent role for audiologists in HCPs, are strongly argued for.
Highlights
Mining plays a vital role in the growth and development of any nation in the world (Agwa-Ejon & Pradhan, 2018)
In 2016, the mining sector in South Africa accounted for about 7.9% of the total gross domestic product (GDP) (Stats SA, 2017), which since has declined by 15% (Van Zyl, 2019)
Given the growing advocacy and activism around occupational health issues, initiatives were launched by the South African government in 2012 towards addressing the legacy of injustice, and this included addressing minimising and/or eliminating occupational health hazards
Summary
Hearing conservation programmes (HCPs) are an important aspect of occupational health efforts to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL). In low- and middle income (LAMI) countries, where the incidence of ONIHL is significant, it is important to deliberate on the risk or benefit of HCPs
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