Insufficient Recovery Time Research Articles

The impact of reduced worktime on sleep and perceived stress - a group randomized intervention study using diary data.

Objective Insufficient time for recovery between workdays may cause fatigue and disturbed sleep. This study evaluated the impact of an intervention that reduced weekly working hours by 25% on sleep, sleepiness and perceived stress for employees within the public sector. Method Participating workplaces (N=33) were randomized into intervention and control groups. Participants (N=580, 76% women) worked full-time at baseline. The intervention group (N=354) reduced worktime to 75% with preserved salary during 18 months. Data were collected at baseline and after 9 and 18 months follow-up. Sleep quality, sleep duration, sleepiness, perceived stress,and worries and stress at bedtime were measured with diary during one week per data collection. Result A multilevel mixed model showed that compared with the control group, at the 18-month follow-up, the intervention group had improved sleep quality and sleep duration (+23 minutes) and displayed reduced levels of sleepiness, perceived stress, and worries and stress at bedtime on workdays (P<0.002). The same effects were shown for days off (P<0.006), except for sleep length. Effect sizes were small (Cohen's f2<0.08). Adding gender, age, having children living at home, and baseline values of sleep quality and worries and stress at bedtime as additional between-group factors did not influence the results. Conclusion A 25% reduction of weekly work hours with retained salary resulted in beneficial effects on sleep, sleepiness and perceived stress both on workdays and days off. These effects were maintained over an 18-month period. This randomized intervention thus indicates that reduced worktime may improve recovery and perceived stress.

Training session intensity affects plasma redox status in amateur rhythmic gymnasts

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine systemic responses of oxidant/antioxidant status following 2 training sessions of different intensity in amateur rhythmic gymnasts. MethodsBefore the experimental training, 10 female gymnasts performed a gradually increased exercise test to assess maximal heart rate, maximal oxygen consumption, and anaerobic threshold. They executed 2 intermittent training sessions separated by 48 h of recovery (48 h-post R): the first was performed at low-moderate intensity (LMI) and the second at high intensity (HI). Blood samples were collected immediately pre- and post-training and 48 h-post R. Hydroperoxide level (OxL) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were photometrically measured. ResultsOxL was significantly higher in post-training and 48 h-post R following HI than the same conditions after an LMI session (HI vs. LMI post-training: 381.10 ± 46.17 (mean ± SD) vs. 344.18 ± 27.94 Units Carratelli (U.CARR); 48 h-post R: 412.21 ± 26.61 vs. 373.80 ± 36.08 U.CARR). There was no change in TAC between the 2 training sessions investigated. In LMI training, OxL significantly decreased in post-training and increased to reach the baseline at 48 h-post R, whereas TAC increased only at 48 h-post R. In HI training, OxL significantly increased to reach a high oxidative stress 48 h-post R, whereas TAC was lower in post-training than pre-training. ConclusionThe pattern of OxL and TAC levels implies different regulation mechanisms by HI and LMI training sessions. High oxidative stress induced by an HI protocol might be associated with both insufficient TAC and recovery time at 48 h necessary to restore redox balance.

Time for recovery of riparian plants in restored northern Swedish streams: a chronosequence study.

A lack of ecological responses in stream restoration projects has been prevalent throughout recent literature with many studies reporting insufficient time for recovery. We assessed the relative importance of time, site variables, and landscape setting for understanding how plant species richness and understory productivity recover over time in riparian zones of northern Swedish streams. We used a space-for-time substitution consisting of 13 stream reaches restored 5-25 years ago, as well as five unrestored channelized reference reaches. We inventoried the riparian zone for all vascular plant species along 60-m study reaches and quantified cover and biomass in plots. We found that while species richness increased with time, understory biomass decreased. Forbs made up the majority of the species added, while the biomass of graminoids decreased the most over time, suggesting that the reduced dominance of graminoids favored less productive forbs. Species richness and density patterns could be attributed to dispersal limitation, with anemochorous species being more associated with time after restoration than hydrochorous, zoochorous, or vegetatively reproducing species. Using multiple linear regression, we found that time along with riparian slope and riparian buffer width (e.g., distance to logging activities) explained the most variability in species richness, but that variability in total understory biomass was explained primarily by time. The plant community composition of restored reaches differed from that of channelized references, but the difference did not increase over time. Rather, different time categories had different successional trajectories that seemed to converge on a unique climax community for that time period. Given our results, timelines for achieving species richness objectives should be extended to 25 years or longer if recovery is defined as a saturation of the accumulation of species over time. Other recommendations include making riparian slopes as gentle as possible given the landscape context and expanding riparian buffer width for restoration to have as much impact as possible.

Workplace fatigue among oncology nursing personnel.

Workplace fatigue is common among occupations that have prolonged work hours, rotating shifts, night-time work hours, inadequate time for rest during work, and insufficient time for recovery between shifts. Available evidence suggests that workplace fatigue poses a substantial threat to patient safety and contributes to worker injury and decreased vigilance. However, little is known about workplace fatigue among nursing personnel working in institutions dedicated solely to the care of patients with cancer. This study describes the scope and severity of workplace fatigue among nursing personnel working in the inpatient and ambulatory care divisions of a comprehensive cancer center.

Epidemiology of Overuse Injuries in Collegiate and High School Athletics in the United States

Background: Overuse injuries result from microtrauma due to repetitive loading combined with insufficient tissue recovery time and can result in both immediate and long-term time loss from sports. Hypothesis: Overuse injury rates and patterns differ across college and high school populations, sport, and sex. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Surveillance data for 16 sports from the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Injury Surveillance System (NCAA ISS; 2004-2005 through 2008-2009) and 14 sports from High School Reporting Information Online (High School RIO; 2006-2007 through 2012-2013) were analyzed. All reported injuries had an injury mechanism of overuse/gradual onset (college) or overuse/chronic (high school). Overuse injury incidence rates were calculated, and rate ratios with 95% CIs were used to compare subgroups. Results: The rate of overuse injury was 3.28 times higher in college than high school sports (95% CI, 3.12-3.44). The rate of overuse injury among sex-comparable sports was higher in female than male athletes in both populations (college rate ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.16-1.35; high school rate ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.43-1.68). The lower extremity was the most commonly injured body site (college, 69.4%; high school, 70.4%). A larger proportion of overuse injuries among college athletes resulted in time loss of more than 21 days (college, 20.4%; high school, 7.7%) and surgery (college, 5.2%, high school, 2.5%). Conclusion: Overuse injuries can impose a significant burden on college and high school athletes. Interventions addressing prevention of overuse injury are needed.

Match running performance during fixture congestion in elite soccer: research issues and future directions.

It has been proposed that match congestion in elite soccer results in residual fatigue and underperformance in ensuing competition due to insufficient recovery time. In this article, matters relating to match congestion and running performance in elite soccer competition are discussed. We suggest a need to determine the extent to which elite players are, in reality, exposed to periods of match congestion and hence to potential declines in performance. Despite evidence of exercise-induced muscle damage combined with a decline in physical performance up to 72 h post-match, research using time-motion analyses suggests that running performance represented by distances covered is unaffected over periods of match congestion. We recommend analysis of alternative movement variables including accelerations, decelerations and turns that are taxing metabolically and contribute greatly to muscle damage. Moreover, a holistic approach combining subjective ratings with biochemical, hormonal and immunological responses to exercise would be pertinent, especially in players frequently exposed to match congestion. Contemporary practitioners typically implement various post-match recovery treatments during dense schedules in an attempt to accelerate recovery and ensure that subsequent running performance is not unduly affected. However, empirical evidence to support their efficacy in maintaining running performance is lacking and we recommend controlled intervention studies using match simulations in an attempt to verify their effectiveness. These points are critically addressed using findings from the current scientific literature, while gaps in the current body of knowledge and future directions for research are highlighted.

Neck Overuse Injury in CH-146 Griffon Helicopter Aircrews

Neck pain and neck injuries are a systematic problem within the CH-146 Griffon pilot and flight engineer communities, with 70-80% of crew members reporting persistent neck pain directly attributed to flying [1,2]. In addition to persistent neck pain after flying, approximately 10% of pilots have reported experiencing neck pain that was either severe or incapacitating during flight [1]. Incapacitating neck pain during flight has the potential to reduce aircrew task performance in addition to being a long term health concern. The objective of this paper was to assimilate the knowledge gained in a series of studies investigating neck pain and injury in Griffon aircrew in order to establish a mechanism of injury so that potential means of mitigating injury can be evaluated. A series of four studies were critically reviewed [1–4]. The studies ranged from comprehensive survey and questionnaire studies of current aircrew to a mission function task analysis and physical demands analysis. Cumulative load for a range of typical CH-146 Griffon missions was also determined. Knowledge and insight gained from each study was then compiled, interpreted and recommendations to mitigate neck injury were made. The mechanism of injury for both Griffon pilots and flight engineers was determined to be an accumulation of tissue damage resulting from cumulative loading during long duration missions (particularly night missions while wearing Night Vision Goggles). Sufficient rest and recovery time between missions results in the repair of tissue damage and the cessation of pain. Insufficient rest and recovery time between missions results in the accumulation of tissue damage between missions. An accumulation of tissue damage beyond the tissue tolerance threshold results in injury and potentially chronic disabling pain.

Intermittent experimental study of a vertical ground source heat pump system

In this paper, the intermittent experiment of a vertical ground source heat pump (GSHP) system is investigated and the corresponding geo-temperature variations are studied. The performance of the GSHP system under intermittent operation and the comparisons of different intermittent modes are presented in the paper. The parameters of soil backfill material, air temperature and inlet volume flow rate are also investigated. Experimental results suggest that, due to the recovery in ground thermal energy in intermittent time, the heat exchange rate and the operation performance coefficient (COP) of the heat pump increases, and the compressor power decreases in the successive working. But an insufficient soil recovery time leads to a rapid decline of the performance parameters and the soil temperature. The temperature transports faster under large soil thermal conductivity conditions and the soil temperature decreases more quickly and recovers more slowly with larger inlet flow rate and lower weather temperature for different soil thermal diffusivities. Through multiple nonlinear regression analysis, a curve formula can be fitted to predict the soil temperature variations under intermittent operation of the ground source heat pump in winter, Dalian. It can be found that the soil temperature increases at an exponential function with each factor.

Resistance Training With Excessive Training Load and Insufficient Recovery Alters Skeletal Muscle Mass–Related Protein Expression

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a resistance training program with excessive training load and insufficient recovery time between bouts on muscle hypertrophy- and atrophy-related protein expression. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to either a trained (TR, N = 9) or a sedentary (SE, N = 9) group. The TR group was subjected to a 12-week resistance training program with excessive training load and insufficient recovery between bouts that was designed to induce plantaris muscle atrophy. After the 12-week experiment, the plantaris muscle was collected to analyze the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the muscle fibers, and MAFbx, MyoD, myogenin, and IGF-I protein expression (Western blot). The CSA was reduced significantly (-17%, p ≤ 0.05) in the TR group compared with the SE group. Reciprocally, there was a significant (p ≤ 0.05) 20% increase in MAFbx protein expression, whereas the MyoD (-27%), myogenin (-29%), and IGF-I (-43%) protein levels decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in the TR group compared with the SE group. In conclusion, our data indicated that muscle atrophy induced by resistance training with excessive training load and insufficient recovery was associated with upregulation of the MAFbx catabolic protein and downregulation of the MyoD, myogenin, and IGF-I anabolic proteins. These findings suggest that quantitative analysis of these proteins can be important and complementary with other biochemical markers to confirm a possible overtraining diagnosis.

Battling Fatigue in Aviation: Recent Advancements in Research and Practice

Despite knowledge gained through decades of research, fatigue due to insufficient sleep remains an ingrained part of military and commercial aviation and represents a major threat to the health, safety, and effectiveness of aircrew. Long duty periods, high workloads, circadian disruptions, and insufficient recovery time between flights ensure sleepiness is a continued problem for both civilian and military aircrew. The majority of our knowledge concerning the effects of fatigue is gained from acute, total sleep deprivation laboratory-based studies which describe results in terms of the average individual's response to total sleep loss. However, in operational environments, limited sleep over many days, termed chronic sleep restriction, is more commonly experienced than acute, total sleep deprivation, casting some doubt on the operational applicability of many previous studies. Furthermore, recent studies have identified strong individual differences in fatigue resistance. Our understanding of the effects of chronic sleep restriction and the individual differences in response to fatigue is currently limited in comparison to that of acute sleep deprivation. In this review, we identify the substantial progress made over the last 2 decades in closing these gaps. Advances in understanding the effects of chronic sleep restriction, the recovery timeline associated with sleep loss, and individual responses to sleep loss represent a critical step in the improvement of current, and the formulation of future, countermeasures in the aviation environment. Adjustments to duty rotation and crew scheduling, refinement of biomathematical models of fatigue, and application of currently available countermeasures are the most immediate of these improvements.

Prevalence of low back pain and associated occupational factors among Chinese coal miners

BackgroundVery few studies have evaluated the association between occupational factors and low back pain (LBP) among miners. The epidemiological data on LBP in Chinese miners are limited. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of low back pain in Chinese coal miners and to investigate the role of occupational factors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted to examine 1573 coal miners in northern China. The prevalence of LBP over a 12-month period was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Odds ratios were calculated to examine the association between the prevalence of LBP over a 12-month period and occupational factors using logistic regression.ResultsAmong the coal miners, 64.9% self-reported LBP in a 12-month period. Occupational factors associated with LBP were identified, including tasks with a high degree of repetitiveness (OR 1.3, 95%CI 1.0-1.6), tasks characterized by a high level of physical demand (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8), posture requiring extreme bending (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-1.7) and insufficient recovery time (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.8).ConclusionLow back pain is common among Chinese miners. There were strong associations with occupational factors.

RISK FACTORS FOR THE PREVALENCE OF THE UPPER LIMB AND NECK WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG POULTRY SLAUGHTER WORKERS

Poultry slaughtering reports a high prevalence of upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UL-WMSDs). The main risk factors associated with upper limb and neck work-related musculoskeletal disorders are repetitiveness, high frequency of action, excessive force, awkward posture, insufficient recovery time and exposure to cold temperature. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the prevalence of upper limb and neck symptoms among poultry slaughter workers in Iran, using the Nordic standardized questionnaire and occupational repetitive action (OCRA) checklist method. The study subjects consisted of 68% male and 32% female with a mean age 28.88 ± 0.56. Two hundred twelve poultry slaughter workers were interviewed. Out of every 20 workers, in the last 12 months, 12 reported pain in the upper limb and neck. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between the OCRA level of risk and UP-WMSD symptom (ρ &lt; 0.05). The results of this study revealed that upper limb and neck symptoms occurred in high rates among poultry slaughter workers. This study provides information for the prevalence of upper limb and neck symptoms among poultry slaughter workers in Iran, and the results suggest interventions for hands/wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck pain should be important and major priority.

Prevalence of low back pain and associated occupational factors among Chinese coal miners

Very few studies have evaluated the association between occupational factors and low back pain (LBP) among miners. The epidemiological data on LBP in Chinese miners are limited. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of low back pain in Chinese coal miners and to investigate the role of occupational factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to examine 1573 coal miners in northern China. The prevalence of LBP over a 12-month period was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Odds ratios were calculated to examine the association between the prevalence of LBP over a 12-month period and occupational factors using logistic regression. Among the coal miners, 64.9% self-reported LBP in a 12-month period. Occupational factors associated with LBP were identified, including tasks with a high degree of repetitiveness (OR 1.3, 95%CI 1.0-1.6), tasks characterized by a high level of physical demand (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8), posture requiring extreme bending (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-1.7) and insufficient recovery time (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.8). Low back pain is common among Chinese miners. There were strong associations with occupational factors.

Refining crop and livestock management for dual-purpose spring canola (Brassica napus)

Dual-purpose canola (Brassica napus) describes the use of a canola crop for grazed winter forage before seed production, a practice that has only recently been developed in southern Australia. Long-season winter canola has been grazed without yield penalty in higher rainfall zones of Australia (&gt;650 mm) and the USA, but the potential areas are small. The feasibility to graze spring canola varieties across wider areas of the medium-rainfall (450–650 mm), mixed-farming zone in Australia is therefore of interest. We conducted a series of six field experiments involving a range of canola cultivars and grazing management and agronomy systems from 2007 to 2009 at Young in southern New South Wales, Australia, to determine the feasibility of and refine the principles for grazing dual-purpose spring canola without significant yield penalty. Mid-season, Australian spring canola cultivars including conventional and hybrid varieties representing a range of herbicide tolerance (triazine-tolerant, Clearfield®, and Roundup Ready®) were sown from 16 April to 12 May and grazed with sheep at a range of growth stages from early vegetative (June) to mid-flowering (September). In general, early-sown crops (sown mid-April) provided significant grazing (~800 dry sheep equivalent grazing days/ha) in winter before bud elongation, and recovered with no impact on grain yield or oil content. As previously reported, yield was significantly reduced (by up to 1 t/ha) when grazing occurred after buds had elongated (late July), due to the delayed flowering associated with bud removal by sheep and insufficient time for biomass and yield recovery. However, yield was also reduced in crops grazed before bud elongation if insufficient residual biomass remained (&lt;1.0 t/ha for late July lock-up) to facilitate crop recovery even when there was little delay in crop development. We suggest that refinements to the existing ‘phenology-based’ grazing recommendations would assist to avoid yield loss in grazed spring varieties, and propose three grazing stages (safe, sensitive, and unsafe) that integrate the impacts of time, crop growth stage, residual biomass, and seasonal conditions to avoid yield loss under different circumstances. Such refinements to reduce the likelihood of grazing-induced yield loss would provide more confidence for mixed farmers to maximise the benefits from dual-purpose canola in different environments. Based on the outcomes of these experiments, dual-purpose spring canola is likely to have significant potential for wider application in other mixed farming zones, with similar region-specific refinements based on the principles reported here.

High‐Intensity Resistance Training with Insufficient Recovery Time Between Bouts Induce Atrophy and Alterations in Myosin Heavy Chain Content in Rat Skeletal Muscle

The aim of this study was to test whether high-intensity resistance training with insufficient recovery time between bouts, could result in a decrease of muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA), alter fiber-type frequencies and myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform content in rat skeletal muscle. Wistar rats were divided into two groups: trained (Tr) and control (Co). Tr group were subjected to a high-intensity resistance training program (5 days/week) for 12 weeks, involving jump bouts into water, carrying progressive overloads based on percentage body weight. At the end of experiment, animals were sacrificed, superficial white (SW) and deep red (DR) portions of the plantaris muscle were removed and submitted to mATPase histochemical reaction and SDS-PAGE analysis. Throughout the experiment, both groups increased body weight, but Tr was lower than Co. There was a significant reduction in IIA and IID muscle fiber CSA in the DR portion of Tr compared to Co. Muscle fiber-type frequencies showed a reduction in Types I and IIA in the DR portion and IID in the SW portion of Tr compared to Co; there was an increase in Types IIBD frequency in the DR portion. Change in muscle fiber-type frequency was supported by a significant decrease in MHCI and MHCIIa isoforms accompanied by a significant increase in MHCIIb isoform content. MHCIId showed no significant differences between groups. These data show that high-intensity resistance training with insufficient recovery time between bouts promoted muscle atrophy and a transition from slow-to-fast contractile activity in rat plantaris muscle.

Challenging the supremacy of the frontal lobe: Early views (1906–1909) of Christfried Jakob on the human cerebral cortex

This article focuses on a series of six studies that address functional localization in the frontal lobe; they were published in Argentina between 1906 and 1909 by Christfried Jakob (1866–1956), one of the great thinkers in early 20th century neuropathology and neurophilosophy. At that time, the localization-holism controversy was at a peak, having been triggered by the historic Marie-Déjerine aphasiology debate. Jakob held the view that constitutive physiological elements of cognition are localized. Nonetheless, he cast doubt on phrenological approaches that considered the frontal lobe as ‘superior’ to the other cortical regions. Jakob studied the human frontal lobe from fetal life through senility, in normality and pathology, including tumors, injuries, softening, general paralysis and dementia. Based on those finds, he considered strict localization theories a dead-end. Taking a critical look at Flechsig’s ideas on the parallel ontogenies of frontal association centers and intellect, Jakob argued that the frontal lobe does not carry any selective advantage over the remaining human cerebral lobes or even over the frontal lobe in non-human primates. Regarding lesion experiments in laboratory animals, he pointed to methodological caveats, such as insufficient recovery time, that may lead to disorientating conclusions, and rejected élite brain research, calling it superficial and inexact. Jakob was convinced that the verification of the anatomical connections of the frontal lobe would elucidate its functions. Thus, he viewed the frontal lobe as a central station receiving input via olfactory pathways and thalamic radiations, pertinent to muscular and cutaneous senses, and attributed a perceptive character to a brain region traditionally associated with productive functions. Modern neuroscience seems to support Jakob’s rejection of distinguishable motor and sensory regions and to adopt a cautious stance concerning oversimplified localization views.

Musculoskeletal disorders in Australian dairy farming

Dairy farming is a physically demanding occupation, however, little is known about the physical demands of dairy farming tasks, other than milking. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by dairy farmers in relation to their work. METHODS/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 433 dairy farmers from two Australian states (NSW and Victoria) were invited to participate in a mail-out survey (21% response rate, N=90), which covered musculoskeletal discomfort, physical workload, task frequency and muscular recovery time. Farmers perceived that routine tasks performed repetitively caused more musculoskeletal discomfort than heavier tasks performed on a non-routine or seasonal basis. Males were more likely to perform heavier manual handling duties and tasks involving the use of machinery, whereas females performed more routine administration work. Both men and women were exposed to similar physical demands from the performance of a number of commonly reported and strenuous tasks. Reduced income, lack of staffing, deregulation, and insufficient recovery time were key factors identified by farmers to directly or indirectly limit the reduction of musculoskeletal discomfort at work. Dairy farming is a diversified occupation that requires physical demands from both male and female workers. Further research is needed to investigate specific task demands and identify possible risk factors that may contribute to the future development of musculoskeletal disorders.

Population structure of an exploited benthic cnidarian: the case study of red coral (Corallium rubrum L.)

Octocorals are an important part of many ecosystems as they add three-dimensional complexity to the benthos and thereby increase biodiversity. The Mediterranean red coral (Corallium rubrum, L. 1758) is a longevous octocoral that is harvested commercially, yet natural and anthropogenic influences on its population size structure are little understood. This study found that some harvested red coral populations had a significantly different size structure when compared to populations at the nearby Marine Protected Area (MPA) of Medas Islands at the Spanish Costa Brava (NW Mediterranean). Eighty-nine percent of the red corals in the harvested Costa Brava area are less than 10 years old and 96% of all colonies have not yet grown more than second-order branches. The size/age distribution of the harvested population is notably skewed towards younger and smaller colonies. Thus, although red coral is still abundant, its population structure is strongly distorted by harvesting. The results confirm that MPAs are useful to distinguish between anthropogenic and natural influences on population structure. However, 14 years of protection appears to be an insufficient recovery time for a longevous octocoral population such as red coral.

Qualitätskontrolle audiologischer Befunde einer universitären phoniatrisch/pädaudiologischen Einrichtung

An investigation was made to reveal whether suspicion of occupational hearing loss can be satisfactorily determined by an otolaryngologist or workplace audiological measurement. These were compared with a formal audiometrical assessment at a university clinic. A retrospective study was made of 95 cases of noise induced hearing loss. A total of 78 individuals were investigated by an otolaryngologist and 70 by workplace audiometry. Using workplace audiometry, 27% of the tests showed a reduction in working capacity of at least 20%. In only five of these was a specialist opinion sought within a year. In 50%, this took longer than 5 years. A comparison of audiometric data from expert opinion revealed that there was conformity in only 47% with workplace audiometry and 48% with otolaryngologist testing. In some cases (27% workplace and 33% ENT practice), the measured hearing loss and calculation of disability exceeded that determined by the experts. The results of workplace audiometry demonstrated that hearing loss was frequently reported only after the workers had received a disability of at least 20%. Possible reasons for discrepancies in audiological testing might be the exaggeration of hearing loss by the worker, insufficient recovery time after noise exposure, or inexperienced audiologists. Our data show that audiometric testing in workplace audiometry, as well as in ENT practice, often reveal a higher disability rating compared to formal audiological (university) assessment, even if these discrepancies do not reach statistical significance.

Qualitätskontrolle audiologischer Befunde einer universitären phoniatrisch/pädaudiologischen Einrichtung am Beispiel der Begutachtung der beruflichen Lärmschwerhörigkeit

Aim. An investigation was made to reveal whether suspicion of occupational hearing loss can be satisfactorily determined by an otolaryngologist or workplace audlological measurement. These were compared with a formal audiometrical assessment at a university clinic. Methods and results. A retrospective study was made of 95 cases of noise induced hearing loss. A total of 78 individuals were investigated by an otolaryngologist and 70 by workplace audiometry. Using workplace audiometry, 27% ofthe tests showed a reduction in working capacity of at least 20%. In only five of these was a specialist opinion sought within a year. In 50%, this took longer than 5 years. A comparison of audiometric data from expert opinion revealed that there was conformity in only 47% with workplace audiometry and 48% with otolaryngologist testing. In some cases (27% workplace and 33% ENT practice), the measured hearing loss and calculation of disability exceeded that determined by the experts. Conclusions. The results of workplace audiometry demonstrated that hearing loss was frequently reported only after the workers had received a disability of at least 20%. Possible reasons for discrepancies in audiological testing might be the exaggeration of hearing loss by the worker, insufficient recovery time after noise exposure, or inexperienced audiologists. Our data show that audiometric testing in workplace audiometry, as well as in ENT practice, often reveal a higher disability rating compared to formal audiological (university) assessment, even if these discrepancies do not reach statistical significance.