Use Of Ear Protectors Research Articles

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.

Workers’ Characteristics of Hearing Loss at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia

This study aimed to analyze the characteristics and factors of worker behavior, including age, the use of ear protection, work duration, a record of diabetes mellitus or hypertension, work rotation, and noise hazards involved in hearing loss in PT. X at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study from May 2017 to June 2017 involved 73 workers in the power service area (TZ Unit) exposed to noise levels <85 dBA and ≥85 dBA, using an audiometry test for hearing loss and Sound Level Meter for noise hazards was conducted. The Chi-square test showed a significant correlation between age (OR 8.4, 95% Cl = 1.6-44.1), work duration (OR 7.6, 95% Cl = 0.9-67.2), and the use of ear protection (OR 7.8, 95% Cl = 1.4-44.2) with hearing loss in workers in the power service area. The multivariate analysis revealed that workers exposed to a noise level of 85 dBA had a 1.7 times greater risk of hearing loss than workers exposed to a noise level of <85 dBA after controlling for age, work duration, use of ear protection, medical history, and work rotation.

Workers’ Characteristics of Hearing Loss at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia

This study aimed to analyze the characteristics and factors of worker behavior, including age, the use of ear protection, work duration, a record of diabetes mellitus or hypertension, work rotation, and noise hazards involved in hearing loss in PT. X at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study from May 2017 to June 2017 involved 73 workers in the power service area (TZ Unit) exposed to noise levels <85 dBA and ≥85 dBA, using an audiometry test for hearing loss and Sound Level Meter for noise hazards was conducted. The Chi-square test showed a significant correlation between age (OR 8.4, 95% Cl = 1.6-44.1), work duration (OR 7.6, 95% Cl = 0.9-67.2), and the use of ear protection (OR 7.8, 95% Cl = 1.4-44.2) with hearing loss in workers in the power service area. The multivariate analysis revealed that workers exposed to a noise level of 85 dBA had a 1.7 times greater risk of hearing loss than workers exposed to a noise level of <85 dBA after controlling for age, work duration, use of ear protection, medical history, and work rotation.

Analysis of Noise Measurement at Engine Room Station: A Case Study on PT Socfindo Seunagan

Noise is one of the factors that can interfere with the welfare and comfort of employees' work. Too high noise can cause hearing loss, stress, and decreased concentration. Therefore, it is important to measure the noise level in the work environment and take the necessary measures to reduce the unsafe noise level. To measure the noise level at the machine room station PT. Socfindo Seunagan, the researcher used a noise measuring instrument that corresponds to the dar booth (sound Level Meter). This research was conducted at several points at the PT machine room station. Socfindo Seunagan, including near the main machines, around the production area, and in the employee's work area. The results showed that the noise level in the machine room station PT. Socfindo Seunagan exceeds the safe limits set by the Indonesian National standard. The highest noise level detected was 174 dB(A). Based on the results of this study, measures are needed to reduce the noise level at the PT. Socfindo Seunagan in order not to harm the welfare and comfort of work of employees. Possible actions include the use of ear protection, reduction of noise sources, and rearrangement of the layout of the engine room station.

The Effect of Earmuff and Earplug Use on Preterm Infants Towards Oxygen Saturation and Pulse

Background: A bright circumstance, cold temperature with loud noise where there are many activities around could influence baby’s sleep.Objective: This study aimed to identify the effect of using earmuffs and earplugs on the physiological response of preterm infants.Methods: This crossover study involved 15 medically stable preterm infants treated in a closed incubator. It used the consecutive sampling technique where the babies’ physiological response using Anderson Behavioral State Scale was observed for 30 seconds every 15 minutes for two hours of using earmuff and earplug.Results: The result of repeated ANOVA analysis showed that there is no significant difference of pulse repetition frequency before, during, and after using the earmuff and earplug to preterm infants. Meanwhile, statistically, there was a difference in the mean of oxygen saturation during and after using the earmuff with p = 0.019.Conclusion: The use of ear protection (earmuff and earplug) could assist and support premature infants in maintaining physiological condition. This study therefore suggests the use of earplugs earlier on preterm infants.Keywords: earmuffs, earplugs, premature, physiological responses

Relationship between Individual Characteristics and Hearing Complaints in Home Industry Workers

Introduction: Home metal industry is an informal industry activity engaged in the manufacture of metal. The process of metal-making crates noise that causes hearing loss complaints in workers. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between workers’ individual characteristics and hearing complaints in metal-making home industry workers in Ngingas North Village, Sidoarjo Regency. Methods: This research used an analytic observational method with a cross sectional design. The population was 28 workers, and the research samples were 23 workers in the metal cutting and welding areas, determined using a purposive sampling technique referring to the inclusion criteria. The independent variables used in this study was individual characteristics including age, years of work, and the utilization of ear protection. The dependent variable in this study was hearing complaint and the data analysis used contingency coefficient C method. Results: Most workers were aged 26-45 years at 65.2%, had years of service >15 years at 43.5%, did not use ear protection at 69.6%, and complained of hearing loss at 65.2%. The results of the contingency coefficient C test analysis obtained a p-value <0.05 between individual characteristics and hearing complaints. Conclusion: There was a relationship between individual characteristics including age, years of service, and use of ear protection and hearing complaints.Keywords: ear protection, age, hearing complaints, years of work

The effect of occupational training provided to workers in a glass factory on their use of ear protectors

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the effect of occupational training applied to workers working in noisy parts of a glass factory on the use of ear protectors. Methods. The study was a semi-experimental pre-test and post-test design. It was carried out with 45 workers determined by purposeful sampling and working in a glass production factory who accepted to participate in the study. The data were collected with an information form and noise-related symptom chart, hearing health information questionnaire and observation. In the analysis of the study data, the number/percentage, χ 2 test, Cohen κ test and analysis of variance were used. Results. It was determined that workers pre training did not use ear protectors (100%) and there were some noise-related health complaints. There was an increase in using ear protectors (57.8%) and a decrease in their health complaints post training. It was also found that the workers’ pre-training hearing health information questionnaire mean score was 11.46 ± 3.20, and post training was 13.77 ± 3.42 in the first month and 15.77 ± 2.88 in the fourth month. Conclusions. Occupational training provided to the workers increased the workers’ awareness level and their rate of wearing ear protectors, and health problems caused by work-related noise started to recover.

Eustachian tube dysfunctions due to mask among quarantined health-care professionals during COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The most effective preventive measures against COVID-19 among health-care personnel (HCP) are personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene. The documented side effects of continuous use of mask or PPE are dermatitis, but side effects on the Eustachian tube are untouched areas. The aim of this study was to investigate the Eustachian tube dysfunctions among HCP due to the continuous use of masks. Materials and Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 eligible HCP. The sample size was calculated as 97, considering the unknown prevalence of Eustachian tube dysfunctions among HCP (50%), so all HCP were included in the study. A structured questionnaire with close-ended responses was developed to collect study participants' responses. Results: Out of 217 participants, only 207 participants provided their written consent after understanding the study objectives and 206 were included in the analysis as one subject has pre-existing ear disease. The daily hours of mask usage among 52.4% of participants were between 4 and 8 h. About 2.6% of doctors experienced severe pain and pressure in the ear. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Patient Questionnaire-7 score was significantly higher among females and masked usage of four or more hours (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study revealed that 42.3% of participants had Eustachian tube dysfunctions. The study findings might help local administration to provide practical recommendations for medical workers prior head supported masks instead of ear-supported masks, use of ear protectors.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunctions due to Mask Among Quarantined Healthcare Professionals During COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) are the key factors to prevent COVID-19 disease among healthcare workers. The documented side effects of continuous use of mask or PPE are dermatitis, but its effects on eustachian tube seems to be neglected. Objectives: So, we conducted this study by keeping our main objective as to investigate the eustachian tube dysfunctions (ETDs) due to continuous use of mask among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in district Nuh, Haryana. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 eligible HCPs. The sample size was calculated as 97 considering unknown prevalence of ETDs among HCPs (50%), so all HCPs were included in the study. We developed a structured questionnaire in which responses were close-ended and it attempted to capture the responses of the study participants and an association between variables was considered significant if the P-value was &lt;0.05. Results: Out of the 217 subjects, only 207 subjects provided their written consent after understanding the study objectives and 206 were included in the analysis as one subject has pre-existing ear disease. The daily hours of mask usage among 52.4% of participants was between 4 and 8 h; 2.6% of doctors experienced severe pain and pressure in the ear. The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Patient Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7) score was significantly higher among females and mask usage of four or more hours (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The present study revealed that 42.3% of the participants had ETDs. The results will facilitate hospital-level administration to provide practical recommendations to medical workers such as head-supported mask instead of ear-supported masks and use of ear protectors.

ANALYSIS OF COMPLIANCE OF EAR PROTECTOR USAGE ON THE PREVENTION OF NOISE INDUCE HEARING LOSS AT STERILIZATION INSTALLATION

Noise Induce Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a work disease that is often found in industrial workers. The use of ear protectors that are in accordance with the standard along with the continuity of optimal use can reduce the risk of hearing loss due to noise in the workplace. Adherence to use ear protectors greatly affect the possibility of a person experiencing a more severe hearing loss. The purpose of this study is to prove the existence of relationship of compliance with the use of ear protectors with hearing loss due to noise in the installation of sterilization and laundry. This study used cross sectional methods. Seventeen samples were taken by consecutive sampling for audiometry examination and measurement of compliance with the use of Ear Protective Equipment. Respondents received an average score of 1.86 indicating that compliance with the use of ear protectors was sufficient. Based on the results of the measurement of the auditory threshold in 17 respondents as many as 4 respondents (23%) normal hearing and as many as 13 respondents (77%) experienced NIHL. The results of statistical tests with Pearson correlation show that the Pearson correlation coefficient number of -0.643, which means that the correlation between compliance variables with noise due to noise is 0.643. Based on the criteria above, the relationship between the two variables is significant because the number of significance is P-value / Sig 0.005 &lt;0.05. So, there is a relation between years of work with Noise Induce Hearing Loss, education and Noise Induce Hearing Loss, and compliance with the use of ear protectors with NIHL

Correlation of Work Period and Age with the Compliance with the Use of Ear Protection Equipment on Production Workers in anEast Java Animal Feed Industry

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Ear protection equipment is indispensable for workers exposed to noise exceeding the threshold value. Introduction: Many studies have shown that the level of labor compliance with the use of ear protection equipment is influenced by the length of work and age of the workers concerned. However, many studies also show different conditions with the results of these studies. For this reason, this study was conducted to determine how the influence of the work period and age of workers on the compliance with the use of ear protection equipment at PT X animal feed industry. Methods: The method used was observational with a cross-sectional approach. The number of population selected from animal feed production workers was 30 workers. The sample was obtained using a simple random sampling calculation of 28 workers. The analysis was done using contingency coefficient statistical tests. Results: The number of workers in the study area whose tenure &lt;12 years is 50% and whose age &lt;37 years is was also 50%. By using the contingency coefficient, it is known that there are 39.3% and 35.7% of 64.3% of workers who were not compliant with the useof ear protection equipment, each having a work period of &lt;12 years and age &lt;37 years respectively. It is also known that work period and age of workers have a Sig (0.115)&gt; α (0.05) and Sig (0.430)&gt; α (0.05) accordingly, which means there is no relationship between work period and the age of the workers with the compliance with the use of ear protection equipment. Conclusion: The reasons of the non-compliance of workers with the use of ear protection equipment are they feel uncomfortable, they have a lack of supervision, as well as they have a lack of motivation work.age, animal feed, compliance, ear protection equipment, years of service

Hearing prevention program: how speech-language pathologists and audiologists work in the occupational health area

ABSTRACT Objective: to characterize speech-language pathologists/audiologists and their interventions in the occupational health area, regarding the Hearing Prevention Program (HPP). Methods: a cross-sectional, quantitative study with 74 speech-language pathologists/audiologists from several regions of Brazil, working in the areas of Occupational Health and Audiology. The participants answered a questionnaire on their professional and educational profile, as well as on their work related to the HCP components. For data analysis, statistical procedures were used (Chi-Square Test and the test of difference in proportions, at the significance level of 0.05 - 5%), in relation to the variables of gender, age, job position, time since their graduation and academic training in occupational safety and health. Results: the speech-language pathologists/audiologists, mostly women, who reported performing the HPP, were older than 30 years, had specific postgraduate courses, but still had doubts about the Program implementation, they worked for companies with over 1,000 employees, disregarding their employment status, performing interventions, such as: hearing management and guidance on the correct use of ear protectors. Conclusion: a high number of speech-language pathologists in the Occupational Health area have not developed a complete hearing conservation program to this date.

Characterization of noise emitted by a power tiller through geostatistics

ABSTRACT Noise is one of the harmful and stressful physical agents present in the workplace. Research performed with geostatistics to adjust the semivariogram of tractor noise were performed using the Gaussian and spherical model. In this way, the aim was to map the spatial variability of the noise emitted by a power tiller through the sine wave model, besides testing other fitting methods, in order to identify health zones for the workers. The experiment was performed with an agricultural power tiller (10.3 kW) placed in a working regime (1500 rpm), coupled to a brushcutter, and a digital sound level meter to collect noises in points distributed along a regular grid sampling of 2.0 × 2.0 m around the tractor. The spatial dependence of noise was analyzed through semivariogram fitting by different methods and by the wave model to obtain the spatial distribution map interpolated by kriging. It was possible to characterize the structure and the magnitude of the spatial dependence of the noise levels emitted by the tractor, as well as to map the spatial distribution. A maximum noise level of 96.5 dB was observed close to the tractor engine, a value above the limit of 85.0 dB for 8 h of daily exposure (NR-15). Thus, the use of ear protectors is recommended for both the tractor driver and the professionals who support agricultural operation within a radius of 6 m from the emitting source under the conditions studied.

Influence of Ear Protectors on the Sleep of Preterm Newborns: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of ear protectors on the sleep of preterm newborns during the "quiet" times in intermediate care nursery. This was a clinical, randomized, controlled crossover study conducted in two neonatal units in São Paulo, Brazil. The sample consisted of preterm infants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study. Polysomnography and unstructured observation were used for data collection. Twenty-four preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 33.2 weeks and current weight of 1.747 g were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the total sleep time of preterm infants with and without the use of ear protectors. Newborns with lower gestational age showed a significant reduction in total sleep time with the use of ear protectors (p < .05). The use of ear protection did not increase the total sleep time for preterm infants.

Sleep and salivary cortisol in preterm neonates: a clinical, randomized, controlled, crossover study.

Analyze the influence of ear protectors on the baseline levels of salivary cortisol and response and total sleep time of preterm neonates during two periods of environmental management of a neonatal intermediate care unit. A clinical, randomized, controlled and crossover study conducted with 12 preterm neonates. The use of ear protectors was randomized in two periods. Sleep evaluation was performed using one Alice 5 Polysomnography System and unstructured observation. No significant difference was observed between the baseline levels of salivary cortisol and response in preterm neonates from the control and experimental groups, and no statistical significance was observed between the total sleep time of both groups. No relationship was observed between the baseline levels of cortisol and response and total sleep time. Ear protectors in preterm neonates did not influence the salivary cortisol level and total sleep time in the studied periods.

PERBEDAAN GANGGUAN PENDENGARAN AKIBAT BISING ANTARA OPERATOR CCR PLTU DENGAN PLTGUDI PT PJB UP GRESIK

ABSTRACTThe role of central control room (CCR) operator in Steam Power Plant (PLTU) or Gas and Steam Power Plant (PLTGU) of a work environment has high noise intensity with range (62.2– 99.8 dBA). Noise resulting from the process of production of electrical energy by machinery such as power generation unit boiler/HRSG, turbine, generator, condenser and other supporting equipment can cause Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Study with cross-sectional design aims to analyze the difference in Noise Induced Hearing Loss between shift operator CCR PLTU and PLTGU PT PJB UP Gresik. Research on samples taken with the technique of simple random sampling with the majority of respondents were ≥ 40 years old, have a working periode ≥ 4 years, have a work area with a level of intensity noise &gt; 85 dBA, long exposure noise ≤ 1 hour and good level of compliance of the use of ear protection in both of units. There was a difference of NIHL shift operator CCR PLTU and PLTGU. The number ofoperator who have experienced hearing loss due to noise on the shift operator CCR PLTU greater than PLTGU. Shift operator CCR PLTU and PLTGU are advised to obey and comply with safe working hours in areas with particular noise intensity has been set and the use of ear protection with right, also have to perform regular an audiometry exam tests so that the function of hearing of shift operator CCR could in monitor continuously.Keywords: central control room operator, power plant, noise induced hearing loss

HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP TENTANG ALAT PELINDUNG TELINGA DENGAN PENGGUNAANNYA PADA PEKERJA DI PT. X

Weaving department at textile industry use machines with noise intensity >90 dB, the majority of workers do not use protective equipment because they feel uncomfortable with the tool and claims to have familiar and not bothered to work on a noisy workplace. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of the use of ear protection equipment toward workers at PT. X. This study is considered observational with cross-sectional approach. The samples were 86 workers in the weaving industry taken by using simple random sampling technique. The technique of collecting data was taken through observation and questionnaire. Data analysis was performed with the bivariate statistical test of contingency coefficient. Based on the results of statistical tests of contingency coefficient showed that there was a relationship between knowledge and attitudes of the use of ear protection equipment toward workers at PT. X, where the knowledge with the use of ear protectors with a value of p = 0.000 and r = 0389 attitude (p = 0.000) with r = 0.383. There is a relationship on the Knowledge and Attitudes of the Ear Protective Equipment Use of Workers at PT. X. Keywords: Knowledge; Attitude; The Use of Personal Protective Equipment Ear

Music listening behavior, health, hearing and otoacoustic emission levels.

This study examined the relationship between hearing levels, otoacoustic emission levels and listening habits related to the use of personal listening devices (PLDs) in adults with varying health-related fitness. Duration of PLD use was estimated and volume level was directly measured. Biomarkers of health-related fitness were co-factored into the analyses. 115 subjects ages 18–84 participated in this study. Subjects were divided into two sub-groups; PLD users and non-PLD users. Both groups completed audiological and health-related fitness tests. Due to the mismatch in the mean age of the PLD user versus the non-PLD user groups, age-adjusted statistics were performed to determine factors that contributed to hearing levels. Age was the most significant predictor of hearing levels across listening and health-related fitness variables. PLD user status did not impact hearing measures, yet PLD users who listened less than 8 hours per week with intensities of less than 80 dBA were found to have better hearing. Other variables found to be associated with hearing levels included: years listening to PLD, number of noise environments and use of ear protection. Finally, a healthy waist-to-hip ratio was a significant predictor of better hearing, while body mass index approached, but did not reach statistical significance.

A study of the high-frequency hearing thresholds of dentistry professionals.

Summary Introduction: In the dentistry practice, dentists are exposed to harmful effects caused by several factors, such as the noise produced by their work instruments. In 1959, the American Dental Association recommended periodical hearing assessments and the use of ear protectors. Aquiring more information regarding dentists', dental nurses', and prosthodontists' hearing abilities is necessary to propose prevention measures and early treatment strategies. Objective: To investigate the auditory thresholds of dentists, dental nurses, and prosthodontists. Method: In this clinical and experimental study, 44 dentists (Group I; GI), 36 dental nurses (Group II; GII), and 28 prosthodontists (Group III; GIII) were included, , with a total of 108 professionals. The procedures that were performed included a specific interview, ear canal inspection, conventional and high-frequency threshold audiometry, a speech reception threshold test, and an acoustic impedance test. Results: In the 3 groups that were tested, the comparison between the mean hearing thresholds provided evidence of worsened hearing ability relative to the increase in frequency. For the tritonal mean at 500 to 2,000 Hz and 3,000 to 6,000 Hz, GIII presented the worst thresholds. For the mean of the high frequencies (9,000 and 16,000 Hz), GII presented the worst thresholds. Conclusion: The conventional hearing threshold evaluation did not demonstrate alterations in the 3 groups that were tested; however, the complementary tests such as high-frequency audiometry provided greater efficacy in the early detection of hearing problems, since this population's hearing loss impaired hearing ability at frequencies that are not tested by the conventional tests. Therefore, we emphasize the need of utilizing high-frequency threshold audiometry in the hearing assessment routine in combination with other audiological tests.

Quantitative noise analysis at two marble finishing plants in Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil

In Olinda there are an estimated 50 marble quarries, 3 of which are members of the stone extraction and finishing industry's state union. The objective here is to quantitatively evaluate the noise present at the workplace in two of Olinda's unionized marble quarries. The data to be analyzed was collected during December 2010, this month representing one of the four busiest months of production. The samples were collected from Tuesdays to Fridays in order to avoid irregular outcomes. Instantaneous readings were taken with the decibel meter to identify points of Noise Pressure Level (NPL) higher than Action Level (AL). Afterwards, the full procedure for the characterization of noise level with the decibel meter in order to compare the Homogeneous Exposure Group (HEG) to those with High Risk Exposure (HRE) was initiated. The noisiest sources came from humid cutting machines, marble saws and polishing equipment. The activities of cutter and polisher became classified as follows: unsafe, in a critical situation and in need of priority control for the work environment with noise level values varying from 95.0 dB(A) to 103.3 dB(A), calling for the use of ear protection during the entire work day.