Hearing Conservation Research Articles

Evolution of hearing in young adults: Effects of leisure noise exposure, attitudes, and beliefs toward noise, hearing loss, and hearing protection devices.

Young people expose themselves to high levels of noise during various leisure activities and might thus be at risk of acquiring hearing-related problems due to leisure noise exposure. The aim of this study was to compare the hearing status, amount of leisure noise exposure, and attitudes and beliefs toward noise, hearing loss, and hearing protection devices (HPDs) in university students at the moment of their enrollment in higher education and after approximately 3 years. Thirty-four female university students were tested at the moment of their enrollment in higher education and after approximately 3 years. Hearing was evaluated using pure-tone audiometry and transient evoked and distortion product otoacoustic emissions. A questionnaire was used to evaluate leisure noise exposure and attitudes and beliefs toward noise, hearing loss, and HPDs. There were significant differences after the 3-year period: a deterioration in hearing at some tested frequencies, an increase in the occurrence of temporary tinnitus after leisure noise exposure, an increase in noise exposure related to visiting nightclubs and music venues, and differences in attitudes and beliefs toward noise, hearing loss and HPDs. More longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the onset and progression of hearing loss due to leisure noise exposure. In the meantime, hearing conservation programs targeting young people should be optimized.

Improving Hearing Protection Device Noise Attenuation Through Fit-Testing in an Occupational Health Clinic.

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the second most common medical disability for military veterans and accounts for 24% of all hearing loss in the United States. Hearing loss negatively affects health and billions of dollars are spent annually for direct and indirect medical costs and lost work productivity. Proper hearing protection device (HPD) fit can prevent NIHL. Quantitative fit-testing systems to determine personal attenuation rates (PARs) are available, but not widely utilized. Without quantitative testing, validating appropriate fit and attenuation to a permissible exposure level to prevent NIHL is difficult. A quality improvement project measured 100 employees enrolled in a hearing conservation program (HCP) to determine if they obtained a target PAR after inserting the HPDs in their "usual" fashion. Those who did not obtain target PAR (n = 27) received an evidence-based intervention that demonstrated proper HPD fit by a skilled trainer followed by a repeat attempt by the participant to replicate the feel of the demonstrated HPD placement. PAR was subsequently measured to assess for appropriate noise attenuation. Seventy-one percent achieved target PAR (≥ 20 decibels) at baseline testing. After the intervention, 91 of 100 participants had achieved target PAR, a 20% improvement. Findings suggest this evidence-based intervention was an effective strategy for improving HPD fit for employees enrolled in HCPs. This intervention may prevent occupational hearing loss and decrease the health and socioeconomic impacts of NIHL.

Audiometric data analysis for prevention of noise-induced hearing loss: A new approach.

Compliance with noise regulations in the past three decades has significantly reduced workplace noise exposures, particularly in the loudest industries and occupations. However, the overall effectiveness of hearing conservation programs in preventing occupational noise-induced hearing loss remains uncertain and unquantified, while the incidence and cost of occupational hearing loss remaininexplicably high. This review/commentary critically explores this paradox by examining why the billions of annual audiograms conducted worldwide have not been aggregately utilized or applied to predict early NIHL in groups of workersor to measure the efficacy of exposure controls. Principal contributory reasons include regulation of noise as a safety standard rather than as a health standard, the inherent complexity of audiometric data, and the lack of a standardized method of interpretation for audiograms. The unsuccessful history of efforts to develop and adopt methods and tools to analyze aggregate audiometric data is described. Consequently, the Standard Threshold Shift-a regulatorily defined, lagging indicator of individual, irreversible hearing loss that is not an effective preventive metric-remains the de facto standard of care. A population-based Best Practices approach is proposed to leverage the raw audiometric data already available and turn it into actionable data for effective secondary prevention to strategically manage and reduce occupational hearing loss risk. This approach entails statistical methods and information management tools necessary to transform audiometry from a compliance-driven, individual screening test with limited preventive capability into a medical surveillance process directly linked to aggregate corrective and prevention actions.

In Situ Otoacoustic Emission Monitoring to Assess the Effects of Noise Exposure on Hearing Health

Abstract Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the largest cause of action for indemnity in North American industries despite the widespread implementation of hearing conservation programs. Possible causes behind the onset of NIHL are the intervals between hearing tests which are generally too long and the tests are insufficiently sensitive to detect temporary hearing changes to act and prevent permanent hearing damage. Moreover, current noise regulations might be too lenient as to the permissible maximum noise levels. Short-interval hearing assessment could help to observe temporary changes in hearing health and prevent permanent damage. This study investigates the short-term effects of noise exposure characteristics using repeated measurements of otoacoustic emission (OAE) growth functions and presents the most significant predictors of hearing health changes as observed in sixteen individuals equipped with OAE earpieces. The experimental results of this study show that the impulsiveness and frequency spectrum of the noise level could be a possible cause of the decline in OAE levels. As a consequence, hearing conservation programs should consider taking these noise metrics into account for proper NIHL risk assessment. Such noise exposure and hearing health monitoring could greatly improve hearing conservation practices in the workplace by acting faster and eventually mitigate occupational hearing loss.

Is jet fuel exposure associated with central auditory nervous system difficulties: An exploratory study in military personnel.

Central auditory nervous system dysfunction (CANSD) can manifest as hearing difficulty in the absence of audiometric abnormalities. Effects of noise or jet fuel exposure on the CANS are documented in animal models and humans. This study screened military personnel using the modified Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability (mAIAD) to assess whether concurrent jet fuel and noise (JFN) exposures potentiate central auditory difficulties compared to noise only exposures. A total of 48 age- and sex-matched participants were recruited: 24 military bulk fuel specialists (JFN) and 24 military personnel without jet fuel exposure. All participants completed the mAIAD, the Noise Exposure Questionnaire, and basic audiological testing. Results revealed non-significant differences in pure-tone thresholds between groups, but the JFN group had higher noise exposures. Additionally, the JFN group revealed consistently lower mAIAD scores compared to the noise only group. Interestingly, a JFN stratified subgroup reporting more listening difficulty exhibited statistically significant lower mAIAD scores in the speech intelligibility in noise subdomain. These preliminary data suggest that jet fuel exposure may potentiate noise-induced CANSD, such as speech-in-noise difficulties. Such difficulties may be more prominent among specific military personnel with combined exposures. Hearing conservation programs could add CANSD screening by use of the mAIAD.

Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the "Youth Attitude to Noise Scale" into Turkish (YANS-Tr).

With the changing lifestyle in modern society, the youth has become the target of substantial noise exposure. Both environmental noise and the use of personal electronic devices create a risk for youth's hearing conservation as reported in several studies. This study aims to adapt and validate the Youth Attitude to Noise Scale (YANS), developed by Widén and Erlandsson for use in the Turkish setting. The linguistic adaptation of the YANS into Turkish (YANS-Tr) was conducted with three experts in linguistics. A cross-sectional study was designed for high school students to establish the evidence for the reliability and validity of the scale. 345 high school students participated in the pilot study. The demographic data form developed by the researcher was used to retrieve the information related to participants. Lastly, the 19-item YANS-Tr was delivered to students. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed for the construct validity. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were calculated for each dimension and the whole scale. Four-dimensional structure was yielded for the YANS-Tr as in the original version of the scale. However, some items (8th, 10th, 18th, and 19th) were loaded under different dimensions. The reliability coefficient of the scale (Cronbach's α = 0.79) was within the acceptable range. The mean overall YANS-Tr score was 2.68. When the mean scores are compared with other countries, Turkey stands higher than Sweden (2.10), close to Serbia (2.76) and Brazil (2.80), and lower than Belgium (3.10) and China (3.46). The YANS-Tr is shown to be a valid and reliable assessment tool to evaluate the students' attitude to noise in Turkey.

Screening for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among Palm Oil Mill Workers in Peninsular Malaysia: A Comparison across Noise Exposure Levels

Background: Palm oil mill workers in Malaysia are exposed to hazardous levels of noise in the workplace, and thus are at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In 2019, Malaysia introduced a new noise regulation, which reduced the level of permissible noise exposure. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of NIHL among palm oil mill workers based on screening data and assess the effects of different noise exposure levels on NIHL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing data from noise risk assessment reports of selected mills and screening audiometric data from workers. NIHL was defined as bilateral high-frequency hearing loss. Results: The overall NIHL prevalence was 50.8%. Noise exposure level and age were significant predictors of NIHL among the workers. The risk of developing NIHL was high even for workers who were not categorized in the high-risk group. Conclusions: In view of the findings, a precautionary approach is needed when evaluating the risk of NIHL in the study population. Vulnerable groups of workers must be protected from occupational noise hazards through the implementation of effective hearing conservation programs in the workplace.

Impact of a hearing conservation programs on occupational noise-induced hearing loss

Purpose: to analyze the impact of a Hearing Conservation Program on occupational noise-induced hearing loss in a metallurgical plant. Methods: a longitudinal case study (2003-2018) was carried out and a Hearing Conservation Program assessed with interviews and document verification. The assessment also included 2,350 audiometric examinations and occupational noise exposure of 152 Hearing Conservation Program - participating employees, collecting the data from the company’s database. Results: high compliance indices regarding occupational noise -induced hearing loss - prevention Hearing Conservation Program practices were found between 2003 and 2018. The comparison between 2018 and 2003 showed a reduced number of workers exposed to noise at 85 dB(A) or above. The final prevalence of audiometric changes suggestive of occupational noise-induced hearing loss that remained in degree I differed from the initial one in the period. The high Hearing Conservation Program percentages and low occupational noise-induced hearing loss indicators point to an inverse relationship between them. Conclusion: the results suggest a positive impact of a Hearing Conservation Program on occupational noise-induced hearing loss in this metallurgical plant, in the period studied.

720 The role of occupational health nurses when implementing hearing conservation program in the workplace

720 The role of occupational health nurses when implementing hearing conservation program in the workplace

Self Reported Hearing Impairments and Associated Risk Factors Among Metal and Woodwork Workers in Gondar Town, North West Ethiopia.

Background:The global prevalence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss ranges between 16% and 24%. The wood and metalwork industries have recently expanded in Ethiopia. This study aims to determine the level of noise exposure and the prevalence of self-reported hearing impairments and associated risk factors among metal and woodworkers in Gondar town Ethiopia.Material and Methods:An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 580 metal and woodwork workers from February10 to March 25/2020. The data were collected through an interviewer-led questioner and the noise level measurement. Multivariate Poisson regression models were used. P-values less than .05 and adjusted prevalence ratios with 95%CI were used to declare the presence and strength of an association respectively.Result:The mean (SD) average noise exposure level in the wood and metalworking industries was 96.9 ± 3.5 dBA and 96.2 ± 4 dBA, respectively. The overall prevalence of self-reported hearing impairment was 20.7% [95%CI: (17.4-24)]. In an adjusted Poisson regression, listening to music with earphones for more than 2 hours per day (PR = 2.95, 95%CI: 1.32, 6.21) and listening to music at maximum volume (PR = 2.24, 95%CI: 1.05, 4.79) were associated with hearing impairments.Conclusion:The majority of workers are exposed to noise levels that exceed OSHA’s permissible exposure limit value. A hearing conservation program should be implemented to reduce noise exposure levels in the wood and metal work industries. Workers should be aware of the duration and volume of recreational noise exposure.

Hearing loss symptoms and leisure noise exposure in university students in Barranquilla, Colombia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the total weekly exposure to leisure noise among university students and to assess its association with self-reported symptoms of hypoacusis. This is a cross-sectional survey. An online questionnaire based on the "Noise Exposure Questionnaire", plus 11 questions regarding hearing loss were sent to 730 randomly selected students. Participants self-reported time spent on different leisure noise activities and their subjective evaluation of the loudness of these activities, converted into equivalent noise levels, were used to estimate weekly noise exposure levels that were compared to occupational noise limits (> 85 dBA = hazardous). Inference statistics was applied to relate hearing symptoms and "likely or having some degree of hearing loss" with hazardous weekly leisure noise exposure levels. Ninety-three percent of the participants reported at least one hypoacusis symptom. The most frequent sound-related ear symptom was tinnitus (72%). Fifty-five percent of the individuals presented weekly exposure to noise >85 dBA. Symptoms of hearing loss were more prevalent in those exposed to weekly noise levels >85 dBA. This study suggests that there may be hearing loss caused by exposure to high levels of leisure noise in a large part of the study population. Health promotion of hearing conservation should be emphasized at university level. Objective repeated measurement of hearing acuity should be part of integral health services for the youth population.

University Marching Band Members' Noise Dosages and Hearing Health-Related Knowledge.

Objectives: (1) To measure sound exposures of marching band and non-marching band students during a football game, (2) to compare these to sound level dose limits set by NIOSH, and (3) to assess the perceptions of marching band students about their hearing health risk from loud sound exposure and their use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). Methods: Personal noise dosimetry was completed on six marching band members and the band director during rehearsals and performances. Dosimetry measurements for two audience members were collected during the performances. Noise dose values were calculated using NIOSH criteria. One hundred twenty-three marching band members responded to a questionnaire analyzing perceptions of loud music exposure, the associated hearing health risks, and preventive behavior. Results: Noise dose values exceeded the NIOSH recommended limits among all six marching band members during rehearsals and performances. Higher sound levels were recorded during performances compared to rehearsals. The audience members were not exposed to hazardous levels. Most marching band members reported low concern for health effects from high sound exposure and minimal use of HPDs. Conclusion: High sound exposure and low concern regarding hearing health among marching band members reflect the need for comprehensive hearing conservation programs for this population.

Retrospective assessment of the association between noise exposure and nonfatal and fatal injury rates among miners in the United States from 1983 to 2014.

Mining is a significant economic force in the United States but has historically had among the highest nonfatal injury rates across all industries. Several factors, including workplace hazards and psychosocial stressors, may increase injury and fatality risk. Mining is one of the noisiest industries; however, the association between injury risk and noise exposure has not been evaluated in this industry. In this ecological study, we assessed the association between noise exposure and nonfatal and fatal occupational injury rates among miners. Federal US mining accident, injury, and illness data sets from 1983 to 2014 were combined with federal quarterly mining employment and production reports to quantify annual industry rates of nonfatal injuries and fatalities. An existing job-exposure matrix for occupational noise was used to estimate annual industry time-weighted average (TWA, dBA) exposures. Negative binomial models were used to assess relationships between noise, hearing conservation program (HCP) regulation changes in 2000, year, and mine type with incidence rates of injuries and fatalities. Noise, HCP regulation changes, and mine type were each independently associated with nonfatal injuries and fatalities. In multivariate analysis, each doubling (5 dB increase) of TWA was associated with 1.08 (95% confidence interval: 1.05, 1.11) and 1.48 (1.23, 1.78) times higher rate of nonfatal injuries and fatalities, respectively. HCP regulation changes were associated with 0.61 (0.54, 0.70) and 0.49 (0.34, 0.71) times lower nonfatal injury and fatality rates, respectively. Noise may be a significant independent risk factor for injuries and fatalities in mining.

Predicting standard threshold shifts for occupational hearing loss among miners at a large-scale platinum mine in South Africa

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is associated with various risk factors in South African mines. We investigated the association between standard threshold shifts (STSs) and exposure to noise and platinum mine dust (PMD), using demographic data, five years of annual audiometry screening results, and noise and dust exposure data. Miners' age, sex, percentage hearing loss (PLH), and dust and noise exposure data were gathered, and a linear mixed effects regression model used to predict STS. Average occupational exposure levels to noise and dust were calculated from recorded measurements. A total of 12 692 records were analysed. Most miners were male (89.6%) and more than 50% were younger than 41 years. More than 70% were exposed to > 85 dBA noise and 58% were exposed to 1.5-2.99 mg/m3 PMD. Changes in hearing levels ranged from 8.3 dBHL at baseline (2014/2015) to 10 dBHL in 2016 (STS), with no changes thereafter. The model showed that the estimated effect on STS for males was 27% and 21% higher than for females, for the left and right ear, respectively The estimated effect of age, PLH, noise exposure and years of exposure on STS was < 10% for each variable. There was no statistically significant association between PMD and STS. The combined effects of age, sex, years of exposure to noise, and noise exposure levels, and strength of associations can be used to predict STS for this group of miners. Our findings may be used to measure the efficacy of the mine's hearing conservation programme.

PENILAIAN RISIKO KESEHATAN KERJA PADA FASILITAS PROSES DI PT X SUMATERA SE

PT X is oil and gas production operations. Production operations are carried out in process facilities, which include oil stations and power plants. The increasing development of oil and gas companies as well as the increasing involvement of the number of workers in this sector have caused the worker very potential to be exposed to hazards in a workplace. HRA is a semi-quantitative risk assessment that determine the magnitude of risk and take control priorities. The purpose of this study was to determine the description of work activities, identify potential hazards, exposure level, and to determine the health risks that may arise, and to determine the control priority based on the Risk Manageability Matrix. This study used descriptive survey, observational approach that uses Walk Through Survey, where results are walking through the checklist, and then analyzed in Matrix Hazard Rating, Matrix Exposure Rating, Risk Matrix, and developed into Risk Manageable Matrix. The results of this study found that the potential hazards included in the moderate risk category are noise, benzene, ergonomics and psychosocial. While the low-risk category is water supply. Potential hazards with moderate risk with low level of control are noise and benzene. Due to the control and prevention efforts against the risk of exposure are not optimal, based on these results, expected of PT X can be done by applying noise control with Hearing Conservation Program, such as evaluating noise exposure. As for benzene exposure, expected that there will be biomonitoring measurements for workers and provide a warning sign to use a respirator with an organic vapor cartridge in process facility.

Evaluation of the HearWell Pilot Program: A Participatory Total Worker Health® Approach to Hearing Conservation.

Our objective was to pilot test HearWell, an intervention created to preserve hearing among highway maintainers, by using a participatory Total Worker Health® (TWH) approach to designing, implementing and evaluating interventions. Regional maintenance garages were randomized to control (n = 6); HearWell (n = 4) or HearWell Design Team (n = 2) arms. Maintainer representatives from the HearWell Design Team garages identified barriers to hearing health and collaborated to design interventions including a safety leadership training for managers, a noise hazard management scheme to identify noise levels and indicate the hearing protection device (HPD) needed, and a comprehensive HearWell training video and protocol. These worker-designed interventions, after manager input, were delivered to the HearWell Design Team and the HearWell garages. Control garages received standard industry hearing conservation training. Periodic surveys of workers in all 12 garages collected information on the frequency of HPD use and a new hearing climate measure to evaluate changes in behaviors and attitudes over the study period and following interventions. An intention-to-treat approach was utilized; differences and trends in group HPD use and hearing climate were analyzed using a mixed-effects model to account for repeated measures from individual participants. The HearWell Design Team maintainers reported the highest frequency of HPD use. Hearing climate improved in each group 6 months following intervention implementation, with the largest increase and highest value for the HearWell Design Team workers. The HearWell pilot intervention showed promising results in improving HPD use through a participatory TWH approach to hearing conservation. Furthermore, results suggest that employee participation in hearing conservation programs may be necessary for maximal effectiveness.

Prevention of noise induced hearing loss in worker: A literature review

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a hearing loss due to noise that exceeds the hearing threshold limit value (TLV) in a work environment. Impacts of this disorder are decreased concentration, fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, and loss of job. Therefore, it is very important for industry stakeholders and workers to understand about the NIHL, so they can prevent and rehabilitate this problem. Risk factors that affect degrees of severity of deafness are noise intensity, frequency, duration of exposure per day, length of work, individual sensitivity, age and other factors that can cause deafness. Based on this, it can be understood that an amount of received exposure of noise energy will be similarly proportional as obtained damage. In general, NIHL cannot be cured but can be prevented and rehabilitated. Its prevention can be by applying hearing conservation program (HCP) such as noise measurement procedure, noise control, periodic audiometry measurement, hearing protection, worker education, recording, and evaluation. Some of benefits that can be obtained from the hearing conservation program are as a guide to diagnose hearing loss to prevent health impacts from noise exposure.

The evolution of quiet lawn mowers and their impact on community noise and hearing conservation

Noise measurements of more than 600 lawn mowers were made at 25 feet and at the operator's ear between 2004 and 2021. These data are presented and compared with the measurement of more than 60 mowers in 1973 by the US EPA. With the exception of electric lawn mowers, very little progress has been made quieting lawn mowers. Electric lawn mowers are significantly quieter than gas mowers. Recently, with improvements in battery technology, the performance of electric mowers has improved significantly. There are currently electric push, self-propelled, and ride-on mowers with comparable performance to gas powered mowers. Finally, the impacts of lawn mower noise on community noise and hearing conservation are discussed.

Societal obstacles to Selling and Buying Quiet

The desire for a quieter environment, office, or workplace is nearly universal. The technology exists to accurately measure noise emission and estimate the health, functional, and financial impacts on hearing conservation, speech interference, and residential or workplace comfort. Several useful methods for labelling of noise emission have been proposed over the years. Government regulations for certain classes of equipment are already in place in some countries. Why then after several decades of concerted effort is "Selling and Buying Quiet" not commonplace? It may be that the fault lies neither with the quality of the engineering work nor the existence or lack of regulation. Instead, a complex of societal factors including confusion, misinformation, denial, and cognitive dissonance effectively undercut any program. This paper will discuss the societal factors opposing the success of "Selling and Buying Quiet", as experienced by the author, along with some possible approaches for increasing the recognition of noise control engineering in the future.

Translating jet noise measurements to near-field level maps with nearest neighbor bilinear smoothing interpolation.

U.S. Department of Defense hearing conservation and noise limits standards require the definition of safe areas around all objects that emit noise and suggest various methods for characterizing these levels. The protection documents do not describe methods for reducing discrete measurement points into level fields to map safe and hazardous noise areas. For maintainers of high-powered jet aircraft, the suggested 85 dBA level contours that delineate the border between safe and hazardous regions occur at distances that far exceed normal operation positions. Conversion of discrete measurements to modeled levels defined over the entire ground personnel operational area in the aircraft vicinity is required to ensure sufficient protection. Present research offers a method to build a coarse map of grid points with nearest neighbor approximations, and then refines this using bi-linear smoothing. This nearest neighbor bi-linear smoothing approach provides predictions that are sufficiently accurate in cross-validation comparisons to the near-field locations and is the preferred method for the creation of hearing conservation contour level maps.