Self-reported hearing-related complaints among dental professionals: a questionnaire-based survey

Background: As a result of workplace noise, dental personnel are potentially predisposed to auditory and non-auditory effects of noise which may expose hidden or imminent hearing impairment. There is the need to capture these self-reported hearing and hearing-related complaints using well designed questionnaires as a prelude to formal audiometric tests. Materials And Methods: This was a cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire study conducted between the periods April to August 2015. Participants were given questionnaires to fill and return which captured socio-demographic data and exposure to noise at workplace and symptoms experienced. Upon return of the questionnaire, each questionnaire was examined to ensure they were properly filled with signed consent. All data and findings were evaluated anonymously. Results: One hundred and thirty eight questionnaires were returned giving 86% response rate, 35(25.4%) reported hearing impairment. Eighteen (13.0%) respondents have experienced tinnitus, while 20 (14.5%) of the respondents experienced Hyperacusis, another 53(38.4%) of the respondents also have difficulty hearing in places with competing noise. Stress and sleep disturbance were also common complains. Conclusion: The presence of especially tinnitus, hyperacusis, impaired hearing in areas with competing sounds are all symptoms indicative of imminent hearing impairment that could be used to predict undetected hearing losses among dental personnel

Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Prevalence and Noise Abatement Techniques in a Steel-Making Plant

Background: A high prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is observed amongst employees in the steel manufacturing industry. Objective: To determine the prevalence of NIHL and current noise abatement techniques implemented at a steel manufacturing plant. Methods: Structured questionnaires were completed by permanent employees at a steel-manufacturing plant for the purpose of collecting information on occupational and medical histories; noise exposure in and outside the work environment; use of hearing protection devices (HPDs); and current noise abatement procedures. A walk-through survey was also conducted to observe implemented noise abatement techniques using the Noise Induced Hearing Loss Regulations of 2003 as a guideline. Results: A total of 17.9% of workers suffered from NIHL (95% CI 11.8% - 22.5%). Administrative controls; lubrication and mufflers were identified by more than 70% of the respondents as control procedures most often implemented by the company. Most of the respondents (77%) used HPDs always and 97% indicated that they fit their HPDs at the beginning of the shift. Conclusion: NIHL remains a significant health problem in this steel industry despite the implementation of noise abatement techniques and the implementation of a noise conservation programme with all the required elements

Staff and Patient Perceptions of Noise in SA Hospitals - a Pilot Study

Background: Noise in hospitals can negatively affect users. Guideline noise levels for hospital wards are stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a South African National Standard (SANS). Studies show that few hospitals comply with the guidelines but limited research in South Africa means that conditions in local hospitals are unknown. The objective of this pilot study was to compare measured noise levels with guideline and perceived noise levels in general hospital wards. Methods: Measured and perceived noise levels were assessed; using data obtained from sound level meter readings and questionnaires; respectively; in four hospitals.Results: None of the hospitals complied with the guidelines; with an average Leq;24hr of 53.4 dBA. Yet; most users did not perceive the environment to be excessively noisy. At two of the hospitals it emerged that noise is more disturbing for staff than for patients.Conclusions: The results did not yield the predicted perceptions of noise in hospitals. Further research on a larger sample is required to confirm findings; particularly pertaining to the difference in perceptions between staff and patients

A study Investigating Sound Sources and Noise Levels in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Background. Exposure to noise in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has the potential to affect neonatal auditory development; sleep patterns and physiological stability; thus impacting on developmental progress.Objectives. This study aimed to identify noise sources in three NICUs in Johannesburg; South Africa; and to determine the sound levels to which neonates in incubators are exposed at various positions in the NICU. These findings were then compared with the standards recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).Methods. A prospective; repeated designs measure was adopted. Sound levels were recorded in 5 different areas of the NICUs at four different times of the day over the course of 3 days. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results. Sound levels recorded in all the NICUs were considerably higher than those recommended by the AAP; placing vulnerable neonates at risk for developmental disorders. Significantly; most of the noise was human-generated; highlighting the need to develop awareness of the negative effects of noise in the NICU and to implement programmes to reduce noise.Conclusion. The findings have important implications for neonatal care; and highlight the importance of noise reduction and monitoring strategies in the NICU

Industrial Noise Pollution and its Effect on the Hearing Capabilities of Workers : A Study from Saw Mills; Printing Presses and Corn Mills

The purpose of this study was to ascertain industrial noise pollution and its effects on the hearing capabilities of workers. The procedure adopted included noise measurements; otoscopy; audiometric evaluation and assessment of medical history. The results showed that noise levels in corn mills and saw mills exceed 85dBA. The average noise level measured in the printing industry was 85dBA. It was also found that 23; 20and 7.9of workers in corn mills; saw mills and the printing industry have evidence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). A highly significant correlation was found between noise exposure level; duration of exposure and the development of NIHL in corm mills and saw mills but not in the printers. Hearing - impairment was also observed at the speech frequencies among some of the workers exposed to hazardous noise. These findings suggest that more specific intervention is required to protect workers exposed to such hazards at the work places employed in this study