Abstract
To prevent intensive noise exposure in advance and be safely controlled during such exposure, hearing protection devices (HPDs) have been widely used by workers. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of these HPDs, partitioned into three different outcomes, such as sound attenuation, sound localization, and speech perception. Seven electronic journal databases were used to search for published articles from 2000 to 2021. Based on inclusion criteria, 20 articles were chosen and then analyzed. For a systematic review and meta-analysis, standardized mean differences (SMDs) and effect size were calculated using a random-effect model. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression analysis were conducted to assess the risk of bias. From the overall results of the included 20 articles, we found that the HPD function performed significantly well for their users (SMDs: 0.457, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.034–0.881, p < 0.05). Specifically, a subgroup analysis showed a meaningful difference in sound attenuation (SMDs: 1.080, 95% CI: 0.167–1.993, p < 0.05) when to wear and not to wear HPDs, but indicated no significance between the groups for sound localization (SMDs: 0.177, 95% CI: 0.540–0.894, p = 0.628) and speech perception (SMDs: 0.366, 95% CI: −0.100–1.086, p = 0.103). The HPDs work well for their originally designated purposes without interfering to find the location of the sound sources and for talking between the workers. Taking into account various factors, such as the characteristics of the users, selection of appropriate types, and fitting methods for wearing in different circumstances, seems to be necessary for a reliable systematic analysis in terms of offering the most useful information to the workers.
Highlights
It is clearly acknowledged that industrial workers and individuals in military service have inevitably faced more noise exposure and that exposure has increased the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) [1,2]
The effects of user training were significant at three testing frequencies (i.e., 250, 500, and 1000 Hz). These results suggest that the function of hearing protection devices (HPDs), especially for sound attenuation, could be improved and decrease the deviation for trials where individuals tried to wear HPDs
It is obvious that HPDs provide great benefits in specific situations and/or for individuals, such as in the presence of high-intensity noise, military soldiers, and occupational workers, b due to the attenuation of HPDs
Summary
It is clearly acknowledged that industrial workers and individuals in military service have inevitably faced more noise exposure and that exposure has increased the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) [1,2]. Noise is regarded as a decisive factor producing the hearing loss of workers [3] and accompanying other otologic problems and diseases such as tinnitus, poor hearing ability for situational awareness and communication, and psychological problems such as a lower quality of life [4]. To prevent such exposure to intensive noise in advance and be safely controlled during exposure, hearing protection devices (HPDs) have been under development for several decades. Many workers are frequently reluctant or even do not wear these devices due to discomfort and a tight
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
