Search

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

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

Scoping Review to map educational interventions in hearing conservation programs with military personnel

Purpose Despite evidence supporting the positive implications of hearing conservation programs (HCPs) on hearing loss prevention among children, healthy hearing habits are often not taught in schools. To address the need for more hearing health education in schools, we investigated the feasibility of a teacher-implemented HCP and its impact on fourth-grade students. Method A speech-language pathology graduate student trained a science teacher from a local elementary school to implement a modified version of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's HCP, Listen to Your Buds , to 56 fourth-grade students. After completing a pre-intervention questionnaire, students received a 45-min interactive HCP, with posttesting occurring immediately afterward and 4 weeks later. Students answered questions to measure their hearing-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors as a result of participation in the HCP. Results Immediately following the program, students' knowledge of potentially damaging noises increased, as well as did their attitudes toward noise exposure. Students' responses remained similar one month after the HCP as well. However, few students reported behavioral changes related to potentially damaging noise exposure. Conclusions A single 45-min intervention did not appear to change students' intentions for future behaviors regarding healthy hearing habits; however, results indicate that students increased their knowledge and improved their attitudes, which may indeed impact future behavior when confronted with potentially damaging noise exposure. Although Listen to Your Buds materials are no longer accessible online, we provide recommendations for school-based speech-language pathologists and educational audiologists to develop and implement an HCP in their school.

Introduction Noise exposure has long been an occupational health concern and has been an important area of focus of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) since its founding. Nevertheless, it remains unclear what effects OSHA's noise standards have had on employer efforts to reduce risks. Consequently, a review of OSHA noise standard violations was performed to clarify the violation trends between 1972 and 2019. Methods Using the OSHA Information System, researchers identified 119 305 violations involving four noise standards between 1972 and 2019: 29 CFR 1910.95, occupational noise exposure in general industry; 1926.52, occupational noise exposure in construction; 1926.101, hearing protection in construction, and 1904.10, recording criteria for cases involving occupational hearing loss. Violation frequencies of noise standard subparagraphs and relationships to factors such as industry differences were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t tests. Results The most commonly violated noise standard was 1910.95 in manufacturing. Such violations rose between 1972 and 1985 and then declined steadily. Whether in general industry or construction, four noise standards were most-frequently cited: lack of feasible administrative or engineering controls (1910.95[b] and 1926.52[d]) and inadequate hearing conservation program (1910.95[c] and 1926.52[b]). These violations were more highly penalized (mean = $1036.50) than other subparagraph violations (mean = $915.80). Programmed and unprogrammed inspections generated similar violation quantities except between 1980 and 1985, when programmed inspections exhibited a sharp spike in violations. Conclusion The study identified trends in OSHA noise standard violations and possible explanations for those trends. The study findings can support development of more practical noise-exposure protection policy.

A survey was administered to 385 noise-exposed workers from an auto parts factory and 1268 non-noise-exposed health department employees in China. Individual 8 h A-weighted equivalent sound levels (LAeq,8h), earplug personal attenuation ratings (PARs), and pure-tone audiometric tests were performed. The average LAeq,8h of noise-exposed workers was 87 dB (A) with a mean PAR of 7 dB. The prevalence of high-frequency hearing loss was 65% for noise-exposed workers and 33% for the non-noise-exposed employees. The use of earplugs had no observable effect on the prevalence of high-frequency hearing loss of the study participants (OR 0.964, 95% CI 0.925–1.005, p = 0.085). No significant relationship between the effectiveness offered by earplug use and high-frequency hearing thresholds at 3, 4, and 6 kHz was found (t = −1.54, p = 0.125). The mandatory requirement of earplug use without individualized training on how to wear HPDs correctly had no detectable effect on the prevention of hearing loss at the auto parts factory. The hearing conservation program at the surveyed factory was not effective. Periodic hearing tests, earplug fit testing, expanding the offer of different types of hearing protection, and employee education about the importance of protecting their hearing were recommended to the occupational health and safety program.

The military is a high-risk environment for occupational deafness. Acoustic trauma is a sensorineural hearing disorder caused by impulsive loud noise with a frequency range of 2-6 kHz. This study aims to assess the occurrence of acoustic trauma on a Howitzer 105 gunner. Indonesian military currently doesn’t have hearing conservation program. The work environment of the armed forces places military personnels to be at risk of suffering occupational hearing loss caused by the use of main equipments for system of defense as one of the skill requirements. The research used a prospective period method from July 7 to July 10, 2014, with the focus being new recruit soldiers in the Indonesian Army's Artillery Academy. The subjects were divided into two groups: Exposed (17 gunners) and non-exposed (stae the number of subjects). Subjects' identities, medical histories, and symptoms after firing were all reported on a questionnaire. The Integrating Sound Level Meter and Real Time Analyzer were used to measure the sound intensity and frequency. Pure tone audiometry was used to assess hearing function. Fisher Exact test was used to determine the value of the data (p0.05).

Purpose: to validate indicators and parameters to construct an assessment instrument for the Hearing Conservation Program. Methods: methodological research to validate the content and layout of indicators to assess the Hearing Conservation Program, using the Delphi method, as well as the semantic validation of an assessment instrument for the program, in compliance with the procedures used by the European group DISABKIDS. A total of 20 speech-language-hearing therapists participated in the study, answering validation questionnaires. The answers were tabulated and analyzed considering descriptive statistical data, establishing the item content validity index, the scale content validity index, the percentage of absolute agreement, and the content analysis. Results: of the 64 items submitted for validation, two were not considered appropriate. The set of items was considered representative. The validated indicators and parameters provided the means to construct an assessment instrument of the degree of implementation of the Hearing Conservation Program, which proved to be semantically valid. Conclusion: the indicators were validated to meet and represent the functions of quality, control, and follow-up of the Hearing Conservation Program, aiding administrators to carry out their responsibilities and making it possible to construct evaluative instruments. RESUMO Objetivo: validar indicadores e parâmetros para a construção de um instrumento de avaliação do Programa de Conservação Auditiva. Métodos: pesquisa metodológica de validação de conteúdo e aparência de indicadores para avaliação do Programa de Conservação Auditiva mediante aplicação do método Delphi, bem como a validação semântica de um instrumento de avaliação do programa seguindo os procedimentos adotados pelo grupo europeu DISABKIDS. Participaram do estudo 20 fonoaudiólogos, os quais responderam a questionários de validação. As respostas foram tabuladas e analisadas considerando dados estatísticos descritivos, pelo estabelecimento dos índices de validade de conteúdo por Item (I- IVC), de validade de conteúdo por nível de escala (S-IVC), de nível percentual de concordância absoluta e Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: dos 64 itens submetidos à validação, dois não foram considerados pertinentes. O conjunto de itens foi considerado representativo. Os indicadores e parâmetros validados subsidiaram a construção de um instrumento para avaliação do grau de implantação do Programa de Conservação Auditiva, o qual se apresentou válido semanticamente. Conclusão: os indicadores foram validados de modo a atender e representar as funções de qualidade, controle e acompanhamento do Programa de Conservação Auditiva, auxiliando os gestores no exercer de suas funções e subsidiando a construção de instrumentos avaliativos.

Purpose: to assess the implementation of hearing conservation programs in two large companies. Methods: an evaluative research that analyzed a type 1b implementation. The study was conducted in three stages, namely: establishing the company’s degree of implementation, analyzing the companies’ policies and structures, and lastly, analyzing the influence of the companies’ policies and structures on their degree of implementation. The following analyses were conducted to collect data: interviews, document analysis, and observation. Results: the hearing conservation program in Company A was classified as implemented (91.1%), while in Company B, it was partially implemented (62.7%). The context in Company A was favorable to implementing the program, whereas in Company B, the context was considered unfavorable, due to disadvantageous categories. Also, the characteristics of the implementation context influenced the placement of the program either positively or negatively. Conclusion: there were satisfactory results regarding the implementation of the hearing conservation program in both companies assessed. RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a implantação do programa de conservação auditiva em duas empresas de grande porte. Métodos: trata-se de uma pesquisa avaliativa de análise de implantação do tipo 1b. O estudo foi conduzido em três etapas, sendo: determinação do grau de implantação do Programa de Conservação Auditiva das empresas avaliadas; análise dos contextos políticos e estruturais das empresas avaliadas; e, por fim, uma análise da influência dos contextos políticos e estruturais no grau de implantação nas empresas avaliadas. Foram realizadas as seguintes análises para coleta dos dados: entrevistas, análise documental e observacional. Resultados: o Programa de Conservação Auditiva na 'empresa A' foi classificado como ‘implantado’ (91,1%) e na 'empresa B' como ‘parcialmente implantado’ (62,7%). O contexto de implantação da 'empresa A' se apresentou favorável à implantação do programa. Já na 'empresa B' o contexto foi considerado desfavorável, tendo categorias não favoráveis. Foi possível relacionar, também, que as características do contexto de implantação influenciaram positiva ou negativamente na implantação do programa. Conclusão: houve resultados satisfatórios quanto à implantação do Programa de Conservação Auditiva em ambas as empresas avaliadas.

Objectives Auditory impairments, particularly those resulting from hazardous occupational noise exposures, are pressing concerns for the US Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA). However, to date, no studies have estimated the rate of hearing threshold change that occurs during service or how changes may vary by military occupation. Hearing threshold changes during military service have historically been reported as the proportion of Service members demonstrating a significant threshold shift. This approach does not capture the rate of the hearing threshold change or the specific audiometric frequencies impacted. Determining the rate of hearing threshold change, and factors that affect the rate of change, is important to elucidate the impact of military service on hearing and to guide prevention strategies and subsequent hearing health care. Our primary objective was to estimate the annual rate of hearing threshold change during military service as a consequence of military occupational noise exposure ranking. Design We linked audiometric data, collected from military personnel as part of a DoD hearing conservation program, to data describing demographic and military-service characteristics obtained from individuals enrolled in the Noise Outcomes In Service members Epidemiology Study. The analytic cohort included Veterans who enlisted in military service after September 2001 (n = 246). We examined the longitudinal association between military occupations categorized as having a low, moderate, or high noise exposure ranking and pure-tone hearing thresholds (500 to 6000 Hz) using a hierarchical linear model. The average annual rate of hearing threshold change and their 95% confidence intervals were estimated by service branch, military occupational noise exposure ranking, and audiometric test frequency. Results On average, hearing threshold change ranged between -0.5 and 1.1 dB/year and changes over time varied by service branch, audiometric test frequency, and military occupation noise ranking. Generally, higher test frequencies (3000 to 6000 Hz) and military occupations with moderate or high noise exposure rankings had the greatest average annual rates of hearing threshold change; however, no dose-response relationship was observed. Among Marine Corps personnel, those exposed to occupations with high noise rankings demonstrated the greatest average annual rate of change (1.1 dB/year at 6000 Hz). Army personnel exposed to occupations with moderate noise rankings demonstrated the greatest average annual rate of change (0.6 dB/year at 6000 Hz). Conclusions This study (1) demonstrates the unique use of DoD hearing conservation program data, (2) is the first analysis of hearing threshold changes over time using such data, and (3) adds to the limited literature on longitudinal changes in hearing. The difference in hearing threshold changes across military branches is likely indicative of their varying noise exposures, hearing protection device use and enforcement, and surveillance practices. Results suggest Marine Corps and Army personnel are at risk for hearing threshold changes and that, among Army personnel, this is most pronounced among those exposed to moderate levels of occupational noise exposure. Estimates of the rate of hearing threshold change by frequency and factors that impact hearing are useful to inform the DoD's efforts to protect the hearing of their Service members and to the Veterans Affairs's efforts to identify and rehabilitate those most likely to experience hearing threshold change.

Excessive noise levels are a prevalent issue in food processing operations and, although there have been numerous studies on occupational noise, no single study has used a concurrent mixed-methods approach. Employing this study design allows for an understanding of the level of convergence (similarity) between measured noise levels and workers&rsquo, attitudes and perceptions towards noise. This, in turn, allows for the identification of potential challenges with respect to the implementation of hearing conservation efforts. In this study, spot noise measurements were collected using a sound level meter. One-on-one interviews were conducted with workers to determine attitudes and perceptions towards noise in their workplaces. Subsequently, the results of the noise measurements (quantitative data) were integrated with the survey responses (qualitative data) to identify convergence. The majority of the noise measurements were found to exceed 85 dBA&mdash, the criterion mandated by the local occupational health and safety legislation. Although all study participants felt that it was noisy in the workplace, a large proportion of respondents indicated that the noise was not bothersome. With workers&rsquo, perception being contradictory to the measured noise levels, it is a challenge to implement hearing conservation measures unless changes are made to raise the awareness of the risks associated with excessive noise exposure.

This study aims to evaluate the experience and awareness of a hearing conservation program to explore its activation plan. Three focus group discussions were conducted with five health managers, five labor supervisors, and five workers. A single in-depth interview was conducted with a health manager. Since hearing loss has a significant influence on the quality of life of workers, all participants recognized the importance of management. Although the need for hearing conservation programs was acknowledged, the participants had negative views about their effectiveness. Most health managers have not been able to demonstrate tangible results from their efforts to solve hearing problems, and they have been unable to demand that their employers actively invest resources and personnel in solving or preventing hearing problems. The participants in this study did not entirely understand the hearing conservation program, negative comments suggested that it is impossible to eliminate noise sources from the workplace, and measures for noise reduction would reduce work efficiency. This study can be supplied not only as a basis for reidentifying the real problems of the hearing conservation program but also for the tailored implementation method of future hearing conservation programs at each worksite.

Purpose: Military personnel are exposed to variable and sometimes very high noise in their professional environment. The aim of this study is to evaluate through a longitudinal study if our hearing conservation program has to be adapted to consider specific interventions for subgroups of our military population still subject to a higher risk of hearing loss. Methods: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study in 2015–2016 to describe the evolution of hearing threshold levels of military personnel as measured during periodic audiometric screening over a period of 6 years (2009–2014) after the implementation of our hearing conservation program. A linear mixed model explored the relationship of pure-tone average (PTA) on 3, 4 and 6 KHz with probability of noise exposure, gender, age at baseline, time since baseline, hearing loss at baseline and ear. Results: For 18,672 military individuals, our results show a small but statistically significant increase of 0.08 dB per year in PTA on 3, 4 and 6 KHz over the 6-year period that is consistently decelerating as a function of time. An additional annual increase of hearing thresholds due to higher age and moderate and high probability of exposure to noise was also found. Conclusions: No major adaptation of our hearing conservation program is required but efforts should be strengthened to better evaluate and counsel older individuals and subjects exposed to noise regarding avoidance of noise and correct use of personal hearing protection.

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the progression of the audiometric pattern of serial screening tests in companies with hearing conservation program (HCP) to clinical audiometric tests to identify individuals more susceptible to develop cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The procedure is based on the analysis of various audiometric patterns that have been demonstrated to have a statistically significant relation to certain CVDs. Identifying these individuals, based on pattern progression of hearing loss, could result in earlier detection to prevent disease or decrease its morbidity. Study design Using the data from the clinical and screening audiograms, pattern analysis was performed and statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test, odds ratios and P values were used to calculate the confidence intervals. Methods The analysis was based on potential risk factors related to CVD in 29 cohorts of 10,105 subjects. Of these, a total of 704 subjects also had clinical audiometric tests and examination by an ENT to verify the exactitude of the screening test questionnaire and pattern relation with the clinical audiogram. Results A first analysis was made on 704 subjects who had clinical evaluation and clinical audiometric tests showed results comparable to those of Friedland. A correlation between the questionnaire of the clinical and the self-reporting screening tests questionnaires was performed and showed a correlation between the following risk factors: diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking. Analysis of the progression of audiometric patterns suggested a relationship with the predictive probabilities of developing CVDs. Conclusion Progression toward low-frequency hearing loss patterns provides early identification of patients whose audiometric pattern progression suggests increased probability of developing CVDs. The treating physician, by prescribing further investigations, could potentially prevent or reduce the morbidity of these diseases. Level of Evidence III.

OBJECTIVES: Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains one of the most prevalent occupational diseases. Occupational hearing conservation programs (HCPs) can reduce the risk of NIHL, but there remains no consensus on assessing HCP effectiveness. We conducted a multi-site, mixed-method assessment of HCP programs. METHODS: At thirteen manufacturing plants, we performed assessments, including interviews with program staff and worker focus groups and surveys. We analyzed the association between these assessments and age-corrected NIHL rates. RESULTS: Only a few items from the HCP staff interviews correlated with NIHL rates. For the employee survey, management commitment to NIHL prevention and being counseled about NIHL were strongly associated with NIHL rates. CONCLUSION: Management commitment and counseling of workers about NIHL may be key factors in program effectiveness. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods appears to be useful for assessing HCPs.

Noise exposure and the subsequent hearing loss are well documented aspects of military life. Numerous studies have indicated high rates of noise-induced hearing injury (NIHI) in active-duty service men and women, and recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicate a population of veterans with hearing loss that is growing at an increasing rate. In an effort to minimize hearing loss, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) updated its Hearing Conservation Program in 2010, and also has recently revised the DoD Design Criteria Standard Noise Limits (MIL-STD-1474E) which defines allowable noise levels in the design of all military acquisitions including weapons and vehicles. Even with such mandates, it remains a challenge to accurately quantify the noise exposure experienced by a Warfighter over the course of a mission or training exercise, or even in a standard work day. Noise dosimeters are intended for exactly this purpose, but variations in device placement (e.g., free-field, on-body, in/near-ear), hardware (e.g., microphone, analog-to-digital converter), measurement time (e.g., work day, 24-h), and dose metric calculations (e.g., time-weighted energy, peak levels, Auditory Risk Units), as well as noise types (e.g., continuous, intermittent, impulsive) can cause exposure measurements to be incomplete, inaccurate, or inappropriate for a given situation. This paper describes the design of a noise dosimeter capable of acquiring exposure data across tactical environments. Two generations of prototypes have been built at MIT Lincoln Laboratory with funding from the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Details related to hardware, signal processing, and testing efforts are provided, along with example tactical military noise data and lessons learned from early fieldings. Finally, we discuss the continued need to prioritize personalized dosimetry in order to improve models that predict or characterize the risk of auditory damage, to integrate dosimeters with hearing-protection devices, and to inform strategies and metrics for reducing NIHI.

We assessed Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) regarding occupational noise exposure, Noise-induced hearing loss, audiometry and use of hearing protection devices among iron and steel factory workers exposed to high noise level. A modified, validated, structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 253 male workers randomly selected from the four factories. The sum scores for each domain of KAP were computed. Scores above 75% were defined as good knowledge and positive attitude. For practice, scores of >50% were defined as good. Independent samples t-test and Chi-squared test were used to analyze association between KAP and continuous/categorical variables respectively. Majority of workers displayed poor knowledge and poor practice (94%), but 76% displayed a positive attitude. Most of the workers (86%) had never been provided with hearing protection devices. The mean scores for attitude and practice differed significantly between the four factories (one-way ANOVA, p

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. RESUMO Objetivo: caracterizar os fonoaudiólogos e as ações que desenvolvem na área da saúde do trabalhador com relação ao Programa de Preservação Auditiva (PPA). Métodos: estudo quantitativo, transversal, com 74 fonoaudiólogos de diversas regiões do Brasil que trabalham em Saúde do Trabalhador e Audiologia. Os participantes responderam a um questionário sobre seu perfil profissional, formação e atuação em relação aos componentes do PPA. Para a análise dos dados utilizou-se procedimentos estatísticos (teste Qui-Quadrado e o teste de diferença de proporções, ao nível de significância 0,05 - 5%) em relação às variáveis sexo, idade, função, tempo de formado e formação acadêmica em saúde e segurança do trabalho. Resultados: os fonoaudiólogos, a maioria mulheres, que relataram realizar o PPA, tinham idade superior a 30 anos; fizeram cursos de pós-graduação específica, mas ainda apresentavam dúvidas em relação à implantação do Programa; estavam em empresas com mais de 1000 funcionários, independentemente de seu regime de trabalho, realizando ações como: gerenciamento auditivo e orientação sobre utilização correta de protetores auriculares. Conclusão: há ainda um número elevado de fonoaudiólogos na área de Saúde do Trabalhador que não desenvolvem um programa de preservação auditiva na íntegra.

Background In a wide range of industries, noise-induced hearing loss remains one of the most prevalent occupational problems. This study aimed to assess the noise exposure level and associated factors of hearing loss among textile workers in Yangon Region, Myanmar. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Textile mill (Thamine), Yangon Region, from April to December 2018. In total, 226 workers who were randomly selected from 3 weaving sections participated in face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. A digital sound level meter and pure-tone audiometer were used for the assessment of noise exposure level and hearing loss, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associated factors of hearing loss. Results In total workers, 66.4% were exposed to ≥85 dB(A) of noise exposure, and the prevalence of hearing loss was 25.7%. Age ≥35 years, below high school education, hearing difficulty, tinnitus, hypertension, > 9 years of service duration in a textile mill were positively associated with hearing loss. After adjusting confounding factors, age ≥35 years (adjusted odds ratio = 6.90, 95% confidence interval = 3.45-13.82) and tinnitus (adjusted odds ratio = 2.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.13-7.37) were persistently associated with hearing loss. Conclusion Providing occupational hazard education and enforcement of occupational safety regulations should be taken to decrease the noise exposure level. The regular audiometry test should be conducted for assessment of hearing threshold shift. The employer needs to implement a hearing conservation program in workplace when noise exposure reaches or exceeds 85 dB(A) for 8 hours.

Central Supply Company was interested in having a noise survey completed at two locations, a concrete batch plant and a block manufacturing plant. Noise levels were measured to evaluate the current hearing conservation program and to determine potential overexposure, compliance, and appropriateness of protection. Employee dosimetry results showed that sound levels at the concrete batch plant were not high enough to require employee enrollment in a hearing conservation program. At the block manufacturing plant, employee dosimetry results showed there was a need for a hearing conservation program, including a need for hearing protection to be worn at all times during production.

We examined the immediate and long-term impacts of military aircraft noise exposure on noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in fighter pilots and ground staff. We recruited 40 pilots, 40 ground staff, and 136 age-matched controls, all participants underwent hearing tests, including conventional pure-tone audiometry (PTA) (0.25–8.0 kHz), extended high-frequency (EHF) audiometry (9.0–18.0 kHz), and distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) as a recent reference. A subsequent hearing test immediately after flight-mission noise exposure was requested. The results revealed higher recent hearing thresholds in pilots and ground staff than in controls. Threshold shifts at many octave band frequencies were also significantly elevated in ground staff. The grouped frequency threshold was significantly elevated in the 4–8 kHz high-frequency range. After a single flight-mission noise exposure, both ground staff and pilots showed decreased signal-to-noise ratios for DPOAE (1–8 kHz), whereas only ground staff showed significantly elevated left-ear hearing thresholds at 3, 11.2, and 12.5 kHz by conventional and EHF PTA. Fighter pilots and ground staff serve in hazardous noise-exposed environments that cause hearing damage and subsequent NIHL, but ground staff may be more vulnerable. A comprehensive hearing conservation program should be implemented to protect high-risk service members, and especially ground staff, from high-intensity noise exposure.

Objectives Most workers in auto part factories in Thailand are usually exposed to excessive noise in their workplace. This study aimed to assess the level of occupational noise-induced hearing loss and investigate risk factors causing hearing loss in auto part factory workers in the welding units in Thailand. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. One hundred eighty subjects were recruited from 356 workers in the welding unit of three factories. Sixty eligible subjects in each factory were selected by systemic random sampling. The subjects were interviewed using a face-to-face questionnaire. Noise exposure levels and audiograms were measured by a noise dosimeter and an audiometer, respectively. Results The findings confirmed that noise exposure levels of 86-90 dB (A) and exceeding 90 dB (A) significantly increased the risk of hearing loss in either ear. A noise exposure level exceeding 90 dB (A) significantly increased the prevalence of hearing loss in both ears. Regarding, a 10-pack-year smoking history increased the prevalence of hearing loss in either ear or both ears. In addition, subjects with employment duration exceeding 10 years significantly developed hearing loss in either ear. Conclusions The engineering control or personal control by wearing hearing protection device should be used to decrease noise exposure levels lower than 85 dB (A) for 8 h. Moreover, if the exposure level reaches 85 dB (A) for 8 h, the employer needs to implement a hearing conservation program in the workplace.

The purpose of this study was to describe changes in hearing, using the permanent threshold shift metric, among United States Air Force servicemembers, including active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard components, for demographics, job categories, and career fields. In the United States Air Force, only servicemembers who are occupationally exposed routinely to hazardous noise are monitored. Audiogram records and demographic variables were analyzed for servicemembers from 2005-2011 using data from the Department of Defense system that captures occupational hearing tests worldwide. Results suggest that occupational hearing loss was larger in males than females, in officers than enlisted populations, and in Reserve and Air National Guard than in active duty. Compared to similar civilian career fields, active duty has lower prevalence rates for occupational hearing loss overall, although Reserve and Air National Guard prevalence rates were more similar to the civilian reported rates. The proportion of personnel with permanent threshold shifts varied between 4.6-16.7% within active duty career fields, which includes 76% of the population for study timeframe. Permanent threshold shift was larger in small job categories, and in jobs that are not considered exposed to hazardous noise routinely which is comparative with results from civilian data analysis of occupational hearing loss. Further investigation into testing practices for Air Force specific groups, use of the system for nonoccupational hearing testing, and challenges to follow-up compliance is warranted. Increased surveillance procedures for occupational hearing loss are needed to address concerns on the prevalence of servicemember hearing loss, the role of recreational and lifestyle factors to contribute the high reported hearing loss prevalence of veterans compared to nonveterans.

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the most reported occupational disease in Malaysia. ONIHL is aggravated by the presence of early hearing loss amongst the youth prior to entering a real working environment. At technical and vocational education training (TVET) institutions, students may develop early ONIHL because training workshops are designed imitating the industrial working environment to produce skilled workers. The exceeding noise level at workshops and recent risk of non-occupational noise can cause early ONIHL among these students. Therefore, ONIHL must be addressed at the early stage of producing skilled workers. Octa hearing conservation index (OHCI) system is developed as a management and monitoring tool for hearing conservation program (HCP) in TVET institutions. Six existing and two new HCP components were used to build the index system. A pilot test on the effectiveness of the OHCI system was conducted in a selected TVET institution for six months. The post-HCP shows a 52.6% improvement compared to the pre-HCP. The implementation of HCP has shown improved awareness on the hazards of loud noise exposure and active use of hearing protection devices among participants. The OHCI system has a great potential as a tool to improve HCP implementation in TVET institutions, and eventually, industry.

Larry Royster conducted pioneering research on the effectiveness of occupational hearing conservation programs, with a particular focus on the performance of hearing protection devices (HPDs) and audiometric database evaluation. Dr. Royster also conducted important early research into non-occupational noise exposures such as sporting events, recreational activities, and air travel. This presentation will briefly review key findings from Dr. Royster's work on these topics from the 1970s–1990s, and will then summarize the findings of a number of recent related studies. These will include: an evaluation of hearing conservation program effectiveness and hearing protector performance among aluminum manufacturing workers; an assessment of the contributions of occupational and non-occupational noise to hearing loss risk in a large sample of individuals in New York City; and a review of patterns and trends in occupational noise exposures in the US from 1979–2013. Collectively, these studies indicate that the risk of hearing loss from noise remains substantial among US workers, as well as in the general public that participates in noisy leisure-time activities, and highlight the importance of continuing the research that Dr. Royster started in order to protect the hearing health of Americans.

The aim of the study was to assess the noise exposure and risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among users of communication headsets (CHs) or headphones.Noise measurements and questionnaire surveys were carried out in 74 workers (aged: 31.8±7.3 years), including military aviation personnel (N = 12), transcribers (N = 18) and call center operators (N = 44). Sound pressure levels (SPLs) emitted by CHs (or headphones) were determined using the microphone in the real ear (MIRE) technique and artificial ear techniques according to PN-EN ISO 11904-1:2008 and CSA Z107.56-13, respectively. The risk of NIHL was evaluated in accordance with PN-ISO 1999:2000.The diffused-field-related A-weighted equivalent-continuous SPLs measured under CHs (or headphones) using the MIRE and artificial ear techniques reached values of 67-86 dB (10-90th percentile) and 68-89 dB (10-90th percentile), respectively. The study subjects used these devices 1.5-8 h (10-90th percentile) per day. Exposure to such noise levels for 40 years of employment causes the risk of hearing impairment (mean hearing threshold level for 2, 3 and 4 kHz25 dB) up to 10-12% (MIRE technique) or 19-22% (artificial ear technique). Individual daily noise exposure levels in study group varied 71-85 dB (10-90th percentile). A number of workers complained of problems with understanding speech in noisy environment (28.4%) and hearing whisper (16.2%) and experienced post-work temporary hearing symptoms (16.2-25.7%) as well.The users of CHs and headphones should be included in the hearing conservation program. Further studies are also needed among employees of other industries. Med Pr. 2019;70(1):27-52.Celem pracy była ocena narażenia na hałas i ryzyka uszkodzenia słuchu spowodowanego hałasem wśród użytkowników słuchawkowych zestawów komunikacyjnych lub słuchawek.W grupie 74 pracowników (wiek: 31,8±7,3 roku), w tym personelu lotnictwa wojskowego (N = 12), transkrybentów (N = 18) i telemarketerów (N = 44), przeprowadzono pomiary hałasu i badania kwestionariuszowe. Poziomy dźwięku emitowanego przez słuchawkowe zestawy komunikacyjne (lub słuchawki) zmierzono z zastosowaniem technikiMierzone pod słuchawkami i słuchawkowymi zestawami komunikacyjnymi z zastosowaniem technik MIRE i sztucznego ucha wartości równoważnego poziomu dźwięku A (odpowiadającego warunkom pola rozproszonego) wynosiły, odpowiednio, 67–86 dB (10–90 percentyl) i 68–89 dB (10–90 percentyl). Badani pracownicy używali tych urządzeń średnio przez 1,5–8 godz. dziennie (10–90 percentyl). Ekspozycja na takie poziomy dźwięku przez 40 lat pracy wiąże się z ryzykiem uszkodzenia słuchu (średni próg słuchu dla częstotliwości 2, 3 i 4 kHz25 dB) sięgającym 10–12% (technika MIRE) lub 19–22% (technika sztucznego ucha). Wartości indywidualnego dziennego poziomu ekspozycji na hałas w badanej grupie wynosiły 71–85 dB (10–90 percentyl). Część pracowników skarżyła się na problemy z rozumieniem mowy w hałaśliwym otoczeniu (28,4%) i słyszeniem szeptu (16,2%) oraz zauważyła przejściowe skutki słuchowe po pracy z zastosowaniem słuchawkowych zestawów komunikacyjnych lub słuchawek (16,2–25,7%).Wskazane jest objęcie użytkowników słuchawkowych zestawów komunikacyjnych i słuchawek programem ochrony słuchu oraz kontynuowanie badań wśród pracowników innych branż. Med. Pr. 2019;70(1):27–52.

BACKGROUND Actual noise reduction of the earmuffs is considered as one of the main challenges for the evaluation of the effectiveness of a hearing conservation program. OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to determine the real world noise attenuation of current hearing protection devices in typical workplaces using a field microphone in real ear (FMIRE) method. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, five common earmuffs were investigated among 50 workers in two industrial factories with different noise characteristics. Noise reduction data was measured with the use of earmuffs based on the ISO 11904 standard, field microphone in real ear method, using noise dosimeter (SVANTEK, model SV 102) equipped with a microphone SV 25 model. RESULTS The actual insertion losses (IL) of the tested earmuffs in octave band were lower than the labeled insertion loss data (p