Earmuffs Research Articles

Effects of the earplug and external ear hardness of the direct transmissions induced by high-level impulse noises

The performances of Hearing Protection Devices (HPD) facing high-level impulse noises is limited by the transmission through the protector. This transmission can be evaluated by measuring the earplug's displacement along the ear canal axis. Previous measurements highlighted a displacement proportional to the peak acoustic pressure in the protected ear canal. To better understand the consequences on the HPD performances, this evaluation requires to be extended. Thus, various configurations are studied with Acoustic Test Fixture (ATF) external ears and earplugs of low and medium hardness. The earplug's peak displacements have been measured with a laser-vibrometer and the acoustic pressure with the ATF microphone. The impulse waves employed to excite the earplugs ranged from 150 dB to 180 dB peak. A medium hardness earplug inserted in a low hardness ear led to the worst performances with a plug displacement of 200 µm and a peak noise reduction of 17.8 dB(SPL) for an impulse noise of 177 dB(SPL). For the best case, a maximum displacement of 66 µm and peak noise reduction of 28.8 dB(SPL) have been measured. These results suggest new perspectives to improve the HPDs but also their evaluation through the choice of judicious ATF materials that conform to biological tissues.

Research

The October 2024 Research Roundup360 looks at: Fracture risk among stroke survivors according to post-stroke disability status and stroke type; Noise-induced hearing loss: should surgeons be wearing ear protection during primary total joint replacement?; Intravenous dexamethasone in hip arthroscopy can enhance recovery; Patient-reported outcomes following periprosthetic joint infection of the hip and knee: a longitudinal, prospective observational study; When should surgery take place after weight loss?; Which type of surgery is the hardest physically and mentally?

Virally-Mediated Enhancement of Efferent Inhibition Reduces Acoustic Trauma in Wild Type Murine Cochleas.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) poses an emerging global health problem with only ear protection or sound avoidance as preventive strategies. In addition, however, the cochlea receives some protection from medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent neurons, providing a potential target for therapeutic enhancement. Cholinergic efferents release ACh (Acetylycholine) to hyperpolarize and shunt the outer hair cells (OHCs), reducing sound-evoked activation. The (α9)2(α10)3 nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) on the OHCs mediates this effect. Transgenic knock-in mice with a gain-of-function nAChR (α9L9'T) suffer less NIHL. α9 knockout mice are more vulnerable to NIHL but can be rescued by viral transduction of the α9L9'T subunit. In this study, an HA-tagged gain-of-function α9 isoform was expressed in wildtype mice in an attempt to reduce NIHL. Synaptic integration of the virally-expressed nAChR subunit was confirmed by HA-immunopuncta in the postsynaptic membrane of OHCs. After noise exposure, α9L9'T-HA injected mice had less hearing loss (auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and threshold shifts) than did control mice. ABRs of α9L9'T-HA injected mice also had larger wave1 amplitudes and better recovery of wave one amplitudes post noise exposure. Thus, virally-expressed α9L9'T combines effectively with native α9 and α10 subunits to mitigate NIHL in wildtype cochleas.

Measurement and evaluation of personal attenuation rating before and after the training of the noise-exposed workers wearing foam earplugs

Objective: To measure and compare the difference of personal attenuation rating (PAR) of the workers wearing foam earplugs before and after the training, and to evaluate the effect of ear protector wearing training on the noise protection. Methods: In February 2023, 94 workers exposed to noise in a machinery manufacturing factory were selected as subjects. The production noise in the workplace was measured and subjects were trained to wear earplugs. The PAR values of wearing 3M 1110 foam test earplugs were measured and recorded before and after the training by using the fit testing of hearing protection device. The differences between the actual PAR values with nominal values and the noise attenuation values in related standards were compared, and the protective effect of hearing protection device before and after training was evaluated. Results: The average age of the subjects was (36.76±11.48) years old, the average length of service was (16.34±11.64) years, and the average exposure time to noise was (15.67±11.64) years. The noise detection results of the subjects' posts were ranged from 80.1 to 94.3 dB (A). The results of subjects wore 3M 1110 foam test earplugs for fit testing showed that the binaural PAR value after training was (19.3±6.4) dB (A), which was significantly higher than that before training (11.1±7.4) dB (A) (t=13.31, P<0.001). After training, 11 people (11.70%) could reach the corrected noise reduction value (NRR value), 26 people (27.66%) could reach the standard of single noise reduction value (SNR value) ×0.6, and 84 people (89.36%) could reach the standard of (NRR-7) /2. The under protection rate of hearing protectors after training (7.45%) was significantly lower than that before training (45.74%), and the difference of different protection levels before and after training was statistically significant (χ(2)=40.83, P<0.001) . Conclusion: It is suggested that enterprises should use the fit testing instead of nominal value estimation to evaluate the noise reduction effect of hearing protection device. Special training on the selection and use of hearing protection device should be strengthened, so as to ensure that workers wear them correctly and improve the protective effect of hearing protection device.

The Effect of Using Earmuffs on Hearing Loss Complaints and Subjective Stress: A Quasi-Experimental Study among Weaving Workers in Surakarta, Indonesia

Introduction: Noise pollution from machine operations is one of industry's long-standing issues, especially in the textile manufacturing industry. High noise levels produced by weaving machine operation can harm employees' health, most notably hearing loss and stress at work. Since 1975, IT Co. Ltd., one of the biggest textile corporations in Surakarta, Indonesia, has struggled to find a solution to the issue of excessive noise, particularly in the weaving manufacturing facility. This study aims to determine the effect of employing earmuffs as a type of intervention to alleviate hearing loss complaints and subjective stress on weaving workers who are exposed to high-intensity noise. Methods: A time series design was used in this quasi-experimental study. This study’s participants were divided into 2 groups. The first group was weaving workers who used earmuffs as ear protection (Intervention Group), and the second group did not use earmuffs (Control Group). Data collection was carried out for 6 working days to see whether there was a significant effect of using earmuffs on hearing loss complaints and subjective stress. Results: From the second to the sixth day, using earmuffs as ear protection did not significantly reduce hearing loss complaints. However, it showed significant findings that increased the average score of subjective stress. Conclusion: Using earmuffs should protect the ears from noise exposure and its effects on workers' health. However, it has been shown that using earmuffs can increase the average score of hearing loss complaints and subjective stress.

A Scoping Review on Occupational Noise Mitigation Strategies and Recommendations for Sustainable Ship Operations.

Environmental and occupational noise has the potential to result in health risks. The presence of high noise levels aboard ships can cause substantial hazards that affect the well-being of those employed in the maritime industry. The study and implementation of occupational noise reduction aboard ships are of the highest priority for ensuring the well-being of marine workers, compliance with regulatory standards, protection of the environment, and improvement of overall operational efficiency and safety within the maritime sector. A scoping study was conducted to collect and summarize the existing scientific literature about approaches to preventing occupational noise in vessel operations. We searched electronic databases for papers published up to June 2024. Initially, 94 articles were identified for screening, and the present research produced 16 studies, which were finally analyzed. Resultantly, noise control may begin with elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, and hearing protection (ear plugs or muffs). Noise control innovation would be started with engineering techniques. Hearing protection devices (HPDs) could be used to reduce noise and as an instrument of communication between sailors. More research needs to be carried out in order to find the best ways for maritime vessels to reduce noise at work and to see how well they work in lowering the risks that come with noise for workers on board.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) regarding hearing health and noise-induced hearing loss among folk/light music professionals from Chennai

Introduction: Musicians are exposed to music at high intensities and are at risk for developing noise- induced hearing loss (NIHL). Since hearing is so important to their career, they deserve special consideration. To avoid the deleterious effects of loud music, the professionals should be sensitized to the noise exposure and the use of strategies to prevent NIHL. The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge and attitude towards noise induced hearing disorders, and hearing conservative practices among professional musicians. Method: A KAP questionnaire was administered online to 136 professional musicians belonging to folk/ light music genre in Chennai. The participants were 115 males and 21 females, ranging in age from 18 to 75 years with the mean age of 29 (SD= 11). Results: The findings revealed that musicians were aware of the nature and cause of NIHL, but knowledge of NIHL prevention and treatment was limited to few. They had common misconceptions about the sources of harmful loud sounds, the effects of hearing loss, and hearing conservation strategies. Only a few participants reported to have used Ear Protective Devices (EPDs). Conclusion: Although musicians are aware of the risks of exposure to loud noise, they seldom use hearing protection. It is therefore vital to provide crucial information regarding NIHL and its prevention and promote musicians for better hearing preservation practices.

Hearing Threshold Levels among Clothes Convection Industry Workers in Klaten, Central Java, Indonesia

Introduction: Noise-induced hearing loss is a condition that develops gradually and often goes unnoticed due to the absence of observable symptoms. Noise-induced hearing loss is usually detected after effects on hearing ability, difficulty understanding speech, and communication disorders. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hearing threshold decline in workers in the clothes convection industry in Klaten, Central Java, Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study, with 21 respondents, was conducted from April to June 2023. Data were collected through interviews, measurement of noise levels in the workplace, otoscopic and audiometric examinations, and research questionnaires. Results: Most study respondents were female (85.7%) and workers who had worked for 11-20 years (66.7%). The main results showed that the prevalence of decreasing hearing threshold among workers in this study was 33.3%. Conclusion: The prevalence of hearing threshold decline was correlated with length of work and use of ear protection equipment.

Effect of External Ear Deformity on Hearing in Wrestlers.

Cauliflower ear in wrestlers can lead to hearing impairment. This study primarily aims to assess the hearing of wrestlers with bilateral cauliflower ears and determine their external ear canal (EEC) resonance frequencies. Our second aim is to evaluate their hearing quality, speech, and spatial perception. This study included 28 male wrestlers aged 18-35 years with bilateral cauliflower ears, as well as 27 male participants in the control group with no wrestling history. The participants' hearing thresholds were determined across the frequency range of 125-16000 Hz for air-conduction and 500-4000 Hz for bone conduction. EEC resonance frequencies were measured. Additionally, all participants completed the Turkish version of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) questionnaire. Wrestlers with cauliflower ears exhibited significantly higher hearing thresholds, particularly at frequencies above 4000 Hz (p < .05). Analysis of EEC resonance showed a shift to higher frequencies in the second resonance peak of the right ear (p < .001) and the first resonance peak of the left ear (p = .045). SSQ scores revealed that wrestlers had higher spatial perception (p = .046), hearing quality (p = .004), and general scores (p = .042) in comparison to the control group. Blunt traumas in wrestlers, leading to cauliflower ear, can result in hearing loss. Moreover, deformities in the external ear affect the resonance frequencies of the EEC. Therefore, it is crucial to advocate for the use of ear protection equipment among wrestlers. When fitting hearing aids, attention should be given to changes in the EEC resonance frequency.

Auditory Effects of Acoustic Noise From 3-T Brain MRI in Neonates With Hearing Protection.

Neonates with immature auditory function (eg, weak/absent middle ear muscle reflex) could conceivably be vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss; however, it is unclear if neonates show evidence of hearing loss following MRI acoustic noise exposure. To explore the auditory effects of MRI acoustic noise in neonates. Prospective. Two independent cohorts of neonates (N = 19 and N = 18; mean gestational-age, 38.75 ± 2.18 and 39.01 ± 1.83 weeks). T1-weighted three-dimensional gradient-echo sequence, T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence, single-shot echo-planar imaging-based diffusion-tensor imaging, single-shot echo-planar imaging-based diffusion-kurtosis imaging and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence at 3.0 T. All neonates wore ear protection during scan protocols lasted ~40 minutes. Equivalent sound pressure levels (SPLs) were measured for both cohorts. In cohort1, left- and right-ear auditory brainstem response (ABR) was measured before (baseline) and after (follow-up) MRI, included assessment of ABR threshold, wave I, III and V latencies and interpeak interval to determine the functional status of auditory nerve and brainstem. In cohort2, baseline and follow-up left- and right-ear distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitudes were assessed at 1.2 to 7.0 kHz to determine cochlear function. Wilcoxon signed-rank or paired t-tests with Bonferroni's correction were used to compare the differences between baseline and follow-up ABR and DPOAE measures. Equivalent SPLs ranged from 103.5 to 113.6 dBA. No significant differences between baseline and follow-up were detected in left- or right-ear ABR measures (P > 0.999, Bonferroni corrected) in cohort1, or in DPOAE levels at 1.2 to 7.0 kHz in cohort2 (all P > 0.999 Bonferroni corrected except for left-ear levels at 3.5 and 7.0 kHz with corrected P = 0.138 and P = 0.533). A single 40-minute 3-T MRI with equivalent SPLs of 103.5-113.6 dBA did not result in significant transient disruption of auditory function, as measured by ABR and DPOAE, in neonates with adequate hearing protection. 2. Stage 5.

Prevention of nostril lacerations in endonasal drilling procedures by use of a conventional protective ear speculum

PurposeInjuries of the nasal vestibular skin caused by the rotating burr shafts can represent a tedious complication following endonasal drilling and is experienced sooner or later by every rhino-surgeon. Material and methodsTo protect the nasal entrance from laceration by the free rotating drill shaft we position an otology speculum in the nasal entrance. The speculum is held in place by the scrub nurse during the critical phase of bone drilling. ResultsFollowing the introduction of the ear speculum protection, we successfully treated our dacryocystostamia procedures (n = 27) and median maxillectomia procedures (n = 6) without any further soft tissue erosions. DiscussionPreventive measures for injuries by endonasal drilling procedures are not reported extensively in literature. This stands in contrast to the fact that these injuries are prone to cause significant suffering as amply described in the case of nostril laceration due to nasogastric intubation or nasogastric feeding tubes. ConclusionThe use of a readily available, reusable ear speculum in endonasal drill application eliminated the complication of nasal entrance lacerations throughout our institution, hitherto.

An Exploratory Study on Self-Reported Auditory Symptoms and Hearing Loss among Workers in a Small-Scale LPG Plant.

Occupational noise is considered a factor contributing to acquired hearing loss (HL) in adults. Frequent noise exposure can cause cochlear damage, leading to sensorineural HL, tinnitus, vertigo, and other non auditory effects as well. Although it is well known that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) plants in India have become a workplace source for occupational noise pollution exposure, there are not many studies that probe into the auditory effects of workplace noise in LPG plants. The study aims to document HL and self reported otological symptoms in employees with occupational noise exposure at a typical LPG plant in a suburban location in India. 53 employees who reported workplace noise exposure were assessed for HL and self reported auditory symptoms. Self reported symptoms were collected using a custom made case history questionnaire, and auditory sensitivity was measured using air conduction audiometers. Among the 53 participants, 27 tested positive for HL. A mild degree of HL was frequently observed, followed by a moderate and severe degree of HL. In the self reported otological complaints reported by 31 participants, HL and aural fullness were the most commonly reported auditory symptoms. Additionally, the use of ear protection devices and hearing conservation practices among the participants were poor. Hearing loss and self-reported auditory symptoms were present in the study group indicating the effect of occupational noise in the auditory system.

RELATIONSHIP OF NOISE INTENSITY WITH INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE IN WORKERS IN THE TURBINE AND BOILER AREA MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Introduction: Manufacture company is a company focusing on the plantation located in Ogan Ilir Regency. In detail, this company is engaged in the agribusiness of sugar cane plantations and a sugar manufacturing factory. In the production/processing system in the manufacturing company, there is a large noise in the work area, namely the turbine and boiler. These workers are exposed to continuous daily noise in their work environment, which can cause health problems, including increased blood pressure. High blood pressure prevalence in workers exposed to noise levels greater than 75 dB(A) was 82,4%. Aims: To analyze the relation of noise intensity to blood pressure increase in workers in the Turbine and Boiler area of the manufacturing company. Method: The study uses a cross-sectional study. The number sample in this study is 80 workers. Data analysis was using univariate and bivariate analysis with Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. Result: The study shows that the majority of workers' blood pressure is not increased by 46 workers (57.5%) greater than workers whose blood pressure is increased by 34 workers (42.5%). Factors influencing the increase in blood pressure were noise intensity, age, years of service, length of exposure, and ear protection usage, and there is no relationship between smoking habits and sports habits with increased blood pressure. Conclusion: There are five variables related to noise intensity and blood pressure increase, and the area with the highest noise threshold value is the combustion kitchen boiler area.

PROFILE OF RISK FACTORS FOR ACOUSTIC TRAUMA IN 105 HOWITZER CANNON SHOOTER STUDENTS AT THE PUSAT PENDIDIKAN ARTILERI MEDAN-CIMAHI

Acoustic Trauma is hearing loss caused by short period high frequency noise. Hearing loss can occur in military, because it uses the main tools of the weaponry system, such as guns, military vehicles, and explosions. This research aims to determine the description of risk factors for acoustic trauma, patterns of hearing protector use, and ear complaints among students of Pusdik Armed who perform 105 Howitzer Cannon shooting practice. This study used a descriptive method with a cross sectional design on the students of Pusdik Armed who perform 105 Howitzer Cannon shooting practice. The sampling technique used total sampling with 103 population. The research instrument was secondary data from the public dedication questionnaire of Dr Asti Kristianti, Sp.THT-BKL, M.Kes. The results showed a description of the risk factors for acoustic trauma in Pusdik Armed Students who perform Howitzer 105 Cannon shooting practice mostly due to high noise exposure (64.1%), smoking history (60.2%), using PLDs (59.2%), a minority do not wear hearing protectors (12.6%), and the use of ototoxic drugs (1.9%), and no one has hypertension and a family history of hearing loss. The pattern of using hearing protectors during 105 Howitzer Cannon shooting practice is from students who use ear protectors (87.4%), some use ear protectors during training (72.8%). The description of ear complaints before doing Howitzer 105 Cannon shooting practice mostly did not experience ear complaints either before (82.5%) or after (76.6%). Therefore, it is necessary to require the use of ear protective equipment for cannon shooters.

Analisa Kebisingan Pada Alat Berat Wheel Loader Wa-350 Berdasarkan Perbandingan Jarak 50, 100, 150 Cm Dan Kapasitas

Wheel loader is a tool that facilitates work by using hydraulic energy. Wheel loader testing is carried out by looking for noise data arising in the combustion chamber. There are several stages that must be done, namely the first step is to prepare a sound level meter as a noise detection device for heavy equipment, wheel loader, then take measurements with several variations in the distance between the combustion chamber and the sound level meter. In the next step we can find out the noise level read at the sound level meter with ideal, medium, and maximum rotation on the WA-350 wheel loader. So that the Noise Threshold Value according to Permenaker No. per-51 / MEN / 1999, ACGIH, 2008 and SNI 16-7063-2004 is 85 dB. So the noise produced by the Wheel Loader above the NAB Permenaker 104.7dB can cause tingling, unwell, hearing saturation, stomach pain, and circulatory problems. It is recommended that workers are required to use earmuffs or ear muffs.

Study on the fit testing for the workers wearing hearing protection device in machinery manufacturing enterprises

Objective: To investigate the occupational noise hazards in five machinery manufacturing enterprises, and to evaluate the individual noise reduction values and influencing factors of workers wearing hearing protection device (HPD) by individual fit testing. Methods: From November 2021 to January 2022, 5 machinery manufacturing enterprises in Bao'an District of Shenzhen were selected to conduct an occupational health survey to understand the noise exposure level of workers. The 3MTM E-A-RfitTM fitness test system was used to test the baseline individual sound attenuation value level (PAR) of the daily wear of the ear protecters for 485 workers in typical noise working positions. Workers whose PAR values could not meet the requirements of noise reduction at work were instructed to wear and repeated tests were conducted. PAR results of the workers before and after the intervention were collected and analyzed. Results: The noise workers who received the suitability test were mainly distributed in 24 types of work, the job noise exposure level was 80.2 dB (A) ~ 95.0 dB (A), and the job noise excess rate was 52.5% (138/263). The median baseline PAR [M (Q(1), Q(3)) ] for 485 workers was 6.0 (0.0, 14.0) dB. The baseline PAR of male workers, those with more than 15 years of working experience, those with more than 15 years of using ear guards, those who considered ear guards comfortable to wear, those with college degree or above, and those exposed to noise level 90 dB (A) were higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). A total of 275 workers (56.7%) did not pass the baseline PAR test, and there was no statistically significant difference in the intervention rate of workers in different noise groups (P>0.05). PAR in subjects who did not pass baseline after intervention increased from 0.0 (0.0, 3.0) dB to 15.0 (12.0, 18.2) dB. Conclusion: The workplace noise hazard of machinery manufacturing enterprises is serious, and there is a great difference between the baseline PAR and the nominal value of the hearing guard worn by the noise exposed workers. The intervention measures can effectively improve the protective effect of wearing ear protectors.

Analisis Tingkat Kebisingan pada Workshop Alsintan UPTD Balai Benih Induk Tanaman Pangan dan Alsintan Provinsi Lampung

Activities in agricultural machinery workshops must concern with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), especially the physical conditions of the work environment. There are potential physical dangers, especially noise from machines in the workshop. This research aims to analyze the noise level at the UPTD Agricultural Machinery Workshop, Main Center for Food Crops and Agricultural Machinery, Lampung Province, and provides recommendations for control engineering. The parameters observed in the research were noise, temperature and humidity. Noise level was measured by using a sound level meter for the source of the sound when the machines were turned on, at fifty measurement points determined based on applicable regulations. Temperature and humidity were measured using a digital hygrometer thermometer, at three observation points. The measurement results were compared with the applied quality standards in Indonesia. Noise measurement resulted (88.29 ± 11.58) dBA, with 7 sound sources turned on simultaneously. Based on Minister of Manpower Regulation No. 5 of 2018, at this noise level the maximum exposure time for workers is 4 hours per day. If the time limit exceeds, workers must use ear protection or do the job in rotation (in shift work). Average temperature measurement resulted (28.8 ± 0.3)°C and average humidity measurement (61.5 ± 7.8)%. Referring to the Decree of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 1405 of 2002, the air temperature and humidity at the UPTD Agricultural Machinery Workshop, Main Center for Food Crops and Agricultural Machinery, Lampung Province is still above the requirements for working environmental health. Keywords: Ergonomics, Noise, OHS, Physical Environment, Potential Physical Hazards.

Exposure Analysis of Noise Intensity in the Manufacturing Area at The Job Training and Development Center Serang

Machines in manufacturing areas often cause noise. The noise comes from machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, grinder machines, and other tools that cause sound and vibration so they are prone to causing physical and psychological disorders. This study was to determine and analyze the noise level in three areas and ten points in the manufacturing room of The Job Training and Development Center Serang by the Regulation of the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia Number PER.13/MEN/X/2011 with the maximum noise limit that has been set is 85 dBA. As for the results of the ten points, there is a point that exceeds the threshold value, namely at point 6 (85.8) dBA in the lathe area. Every operator in the manufacturing room that has a noise level that exceeds the threshold value must wear personal protective equipment in the form of earplugs or ear muffs that have been provided by the workshop to reduce the noise level.

Cultural Adaptation and administration of public awareness questionnaire on hearing health and hearing loss in Karnataka: A cross-sectional study

Background: Maintaining good hearing health is crucial for effective communication and awareness of one’s surroundings. However, if not adequately addressed, various factors such as lifestyle, illness, genetic disorders, age, and leisure activities can contribute to hearing loss. This study seeks to culturally adapt, administer, and evaluate public awareness of hearing loss and hearing health in Karnataka. It is essential to prioritize hearing health and take proactive measures to prevent and treat hearing loss. Methods: The design used in this study was a cross-sectional survey design. The sampling method used in this study was Quota sampling. In total, 720 participants aged 20–60 completed a culturally adapted questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 22 questions targeting the awareness of hearing loss and hearing health, focusing on four domains: (1) Knowledge about infant hearing loss, (2) Cleaning and treatment, (3) The effect of overexposure to noise and loud sounds, (4) Diagnostic delay. Results: Approximately 70% of the correct responses were given to almost all the statements. However, specific essential Knowledge on the impact of tinnitus on hearing and the use of ear protective devices during noise exposure was lacking. Only 56% and 50.23% knew about specialized tests available for a hearing evaluation and the recommended standards on the duration of noise exposure. Conclusions: It is essential to increase public awareness of the impact of ringing sensation on a person’s daily activities. Many people need to be aware of the guidelines for reducing exposure to high-intensity noises, which underscores the need for informative initiatives on noise reduction. The audiological questionnaire used was simple, practical, and reliable, and the results showed the need for ongoing development of hearing conservation programs. To ensure continued progress, these programs should focus on hearing aid management, early detection of infant hearing loss, and noise exposure prevention.

Studi Kualitatif Gangguan Pendengaran Akibat Bising di Bengkel Bubut X Sidoarjo

Noise is one of the most dangerous factors in the workplace. Noise can lead to hearing impairment and the risk of temporary or permanent damage to the sense of hearing after exposure for a certain period of time without the use of adequate protective equipment. The aim of the study is to find out the picture of hearing impairment due to noise experienced by workers X Sidoarjo. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach with observational methods. The result of this study was that 2 out of 10 informants suffered from hearing impairment. The main source of noise in the powder workshop X Sidoarjo is the powdering machines and tooling and scrubbing. Prevention can be done through the use of ear protectors against workers and the implementation of socialization of safety and health at work in order to create a safe and secure workplace environment.