Prevalence and associated factors of noise-induced hearing loss among workers in Bishoftu Central Air Base of Ethiopia.

Excessive occupational exposure to noise results in a well-recognized occupational hearing loss which is prevalent in many workplaces and now it is taken as a global problem. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and associated factors among workers in the Bishoftu Central Air Base in Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 central air base workers through face-to-face interviews, an environment noise survey, and an audiometric test for data collection. Data were entered by Epi-data version 3.1 and SPSS was used to analyze the data. Finally, a statistical analysis such as descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis was applied. A P-value < 0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and hearing impairments was 24.6 and 30.9%, respectively. The highest prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss was recorded for workers who were exposed to noise levels greater than 90 dBA. Out of 132 workers exposed to the average noise level of 75 dB A, only 5% of workers were affected with noise-induced hearing loss, while 128 workers exposed to an average noise level equal to or greater than 90 dB A, 19.6% of workers were identified with noise-induced hearing loss. Regarding sex, around 21.9% of male workers were identified with noise-induced hearing loss. Workers who were exposed to a high noise level workplace previously or before the Central Air Base workplace were five times (AOR = 5.0, 95% CI 1.74-14.36) more likely affected by noise-induced hearing loss than those workers not previously exposed. Those workers who were exposed to greater or equal to 90dBA noise level were 4.98 times (AOR = 4.98, 95% CI 2.59-9.58) more likely to be exposed to noise-induced levels than those who were exposed to less than 90dBA noise level. Moreover, male air base workers were 3.5 times more likely exposed to hearing impairment than female workers (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.01-12.0). This study identified that the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and hearing impairments was significantly high. So implementation of a hearing conservation program, giving noise education, and supplying adequate hearing protective devices (HPDs) are essentials.

Prevalence and predictors of high-frequency hearing loss among mine workers in Gujarat, western India: a cross-sectional study on the need to implement a comprehensive hearing conservation program.

BACKGROUND: High-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) stands as a prevalent occupational morbidity globally, with numerous associated risk factors, some of which are modifiable. In the context of a comprehensive hearing conservation program, the initial steps involve early screening and identification of workers with these modifiable risk factors, aiming to reduce the prevalence of hearing loss. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of HFHL and determine its predictors among mine workers. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 226 mine workers in ten open-cast mines in Gujarat state, the western part of India, in November 2020. We collected data on socio-demography, addiction, occupation history and comorbidities, along with anthropometric, blood pressure, and blood sugar measurements. Audiometric evaluations using a portable diagnostic audiometer were employed to assess HFHL, defined as a hearing threshold exceeding 25 decibels (dB) at high frequencies (3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz). A generalized linear model (GLM) with a binomial family was performed to determine the predictors significantly predicting HFHL after adjusting for confounding variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of HFHL was 35% (95% CI: 29-42%) in our study setting. Office workers demonstrated a prevalence of 19%, whereas other job categories displayed a higher prevalence of 42%, resulting in a significant prevalence difference of 23% and a prevalence ratio of 2.2. The GLM analysis revealed that variables, such as noise exposure during work [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 2.3 (95% CI: 1.2-4.7, p = 0.018)] and noise exposure duration [aPR 1.1 (95% CI: 1.0-1.1, p = 0.042)], were significant predictors of HFHL. CONCLUSIONS: In our study setting, mine workers exhibited a high prevalence of HFHL, with exposure to workplace noise and duration being modifiable predictors. Because HFHL advances slowly and is generally undetected by the individual, we recommend periodic testing using audiometry to identify it among mine workers and, if possible, shifting them from mining activities to office. Furthermore, we advocate for the implementation of a comprehensive hearing conservation program to the extent possible.

Effectiveness of a Novel Index System in Preventing Early Hearing Loss among Furniture Industry Skills Training Students in Malaysia.

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.

Case Study in a Working Environment Highlighting the Divergence between Noise Intensity and Workers' Perception towards Noise.

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' 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-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' 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.

Experience and Awareness of Health Managers, Administrators, and Workers on a Hearing Conservation Program in Korea: A Qualitative Study.

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.

Occupational noise exposure and hearing loss: A study of knowledge, attitude and practice among Tanzanian iron and steel workers.

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 < 0.001). Implementation of hearing conservation program with provision of hearing protection devices are suggested.

Prevention of the Evolution of Workers' Hearing Loss from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Noisy Environments through a Hearing Conservation Program

Introduction Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a serious problem for workers and therefore for businesses. The hearing conservation program (HCP) is a set of coordinated measures to prevent the development or evolution of occupational hearing loss, which involves a continuous and dynamic process of implementation of hearing conservation routines through anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and subsequent control of the occurrence of existing environmental risks or of those thatmay exist in the workplace and lead to workers hearing damage. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the HCP in preventing further hearing loss in workers with audiograms suggestive of NIHL. The audiometric tests and medical records of 28 furniture company workers exposed to noise were reviewed and monitored for 2 years. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study examined five audiometric tests in the medical records (on admission and every semester) of 28 workers in a furniture company (totaling 140 audiometric exams) following the introduction of the HCP. Results Data analysis showed no differences between the audiometric tests conducted on admission and those performed every semester. Conclusions The HCP implemented was effective in preventing the worsening of hearing loss in workers already with NIHL when exposed to occupational noise. Therefore, such a measure could be useful for the employment of workers with hearing loss in job sectors that have noise exposure.

Prevention of the Evolution of Workers' Hearing Loss from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Noisy Environments through a Hearing Conservation Program.

Introduction Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a serious problem for workers and therefore for businesses. The hearing conservation program (HCP) is a set of coordinated measures to prevent the development or evolution of occupational hearing loss, which involves a continuous and dynamic process of implementation of hearing conservation routines through anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and subsequent control of the occurrence of existing environmental risks or of those that may exist in the workplace and lead to workers' hearing damage. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the HCP in preventing further hearing loss in workers with audiograms suggestive of NIHL. The audiometric tests and medical records of 28 furniture company workers exposed to noise were reviewed and monitored for 2 years. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study examined five audiometric tests in the medical records (on admission and every semester) of 28 workers in a furniture company (totaling 140 audiometric exams) following the introduction of the HCP. Results Data analysis showed no differences between the audiometric tests conducted on admission and those performed every semester. Conclusions The HCP implemented was effective in preventing the worsening of hearing loss in workers already with NIHL when exposed to occupational noise. Therefore, such a measure could be useful for the employment of workers with hearing loss in job sectors that have noise exposure.

Medio militar y trastornos auditivos inducidos por ruido / The military environment and noise-induced hearing impairments

En el medio militar el personal se ve sometido a los más altos niveles de ruido; se considera que las detonaciones de las armas de fuego superan en intensidad a todos los ruidos industriales. Este trabajo pretende abordar los factores de riesgo y vulnerabilidad asociados a la exposición al ruido en el ambiente militar, los aspectos más actuales relacionados con la lesión auditiva inducida por ruido y su protección. Se realizó una revisión de los artículos más representativos mediante la base de datos Medline e Hinari, se empleó para la búsqueda y creación de la bibliografía el gestor personal de referencias bibliográficas Procite, referencias al tema en revistas, tesis y referencias en Internet mediante el buscador Google. Los resultados reafirman la vulnerabilidad del personal militar a padecer algún tipo de lesión del aparato auditivo inducida por ruido, originado por los niveles de ruido elevado que se producen en el medio militar, la necesidad de enfocar de forma multidisciplinaria este tipo de lesiones y la importancia de implementar sistemas de protección auditiva eficientes, con el fin de elevar la calidad de vida de los expuestos a ruido y evitar que se produzca la discapacidad auditiva, considerando que la mejor opción es su prevención(AU)

Extremely high noise levels are characteristic of the military environment. Firearm detonations are considered to exceed the intensity of any industrial noise. The paper approaches the risk factors and vulnerabilities associated with exposure to noise in the military environment, as well as the most recent notions about noise-induced hearing injury and hearing protection. A review was conducted of the most representative papers on the topic using databases Medline and Hinari. Bibliography lists were searched for and created using Procite personal bibliographic reference manager. Google search engine was used to find references to the topic in journals, theses and Internet references. Results confirm the vulnerability of military personnel to suffer from noise-induced hearing injuries resulting from the high noise levels occurring in the military environment, the need to approach such injuries in a multidisciplinary manner, and the importance of implementing efficient hearing protection systems, with a view to improving the quality of life of persons exposed to noise and preventing hearing impairment, based on the certainty that prevention is always the best option(AU)

Medio militar y trastornos auditivos inducidos por ruido / The military environment and noise-induced hearing impairments

En el medio militar el personal se ve sometido a los más altos niveles de ruido; se considera que las detonaciones de las armas de fuego superan en intensidad a todos los ruidos industriales. Este trabajo pretende abordar los factores de riesgo y vulnerabilidad asociados a la exposición al ruido en el ambiente militar, los aspectos más actuales relacionados con la lesión auditiva inducida por ruido y su protección. Se realizó una revisión de los artículos más representativos mediante la base de datos Medline e Hinari, se empleó para la búsqueda y creación de la bibliografía el gestor personal de referencias bibliográficas Procite, referencias al tema en revistas, tesis y referencias en Internet mediante el buscador Google. Los resultados reafirman la vulnerabilidad del personal militar a padecer algún tipo de lesión del aparato auditivo inducida por ruido, originado por los niveles de ruido elevado que se producen en el medio militar, la necesidad de enfocar de forma multidisciplinaria este tipo de lesiones y la importancia de implementar sistemas de protección auditiva eficientes, con el fin de elevar la calidad de vida de los expuestos a ruido y evitar que se produzca la discapacidad auditiva, considerando que la mejor opción es su prevención.

Extremely high noise levels are characteristic of the military environment. Firearm detonations are considered to exceed the intensity of any industrial noise. The paper approaches the risk factors and vulnerabilities associated with exposure to noise in the military environment, as well as the most recent notions about noise-induced hearing injury and hearing protection. A review was conducted of the most representative papers on the topic using databases Medline and Hinari. Bibliography lists were searched for and created using Procite personal bibliographic reference manager. Google search engine was used to find references to the topic in journals, theses and Internet references. Results confirm the vulnerability of military personnel to suffer from noise-induced hearing injuries resulting from the high noise levels occurring in the military environment, the need to approach such injuries in a multidisciplinary manner, and the importance of implementing efficient hearing protection systems, with a view to improving the quality of life of persons exposed to noise and preventing hearing impairment, based on the certainty that prevention is always the best option.

Aplicación y evaluación de una estrategia de intervención en trabajadores expuestos a niveles elevados de ruido / Evaluation and application of a strategy of intervention in workers etposed a highs leveles of noise

En esta investigación se toman 13 trabajadores expuestos a niveles elevados de ruido, en una industria de manufactura del vidrio, los cuales participaron en la implementación y la evaluación de un Programa de Conservación Auditiva (PCA), durante un período de 9 años. Se realizó el diagnóstico de la situación en 1988 tanto ambiental, como de la capacidad auditiva de los trabajadores y luego se implementó el PCA, el cual se evaluó 9 años después (1996). El Programa de Promoción y Capacitación de 826 horas-hombre formación, fue fundamental, ya que se logró concientizara trabajadores y empleadores para poder implementar diferentes medidas del control de la exposición, tales como: reubicación de 2 puestos de trabajo en áreas menos ruidosa, dotación y uso de protección personal adecuada y confortable, traslado de 2 trabajadores a otros departamentos con menor nivel de exposición y construcción e instalación de una cabina de trabajo. Durante el período de 9 años de investigación se practicaron 72 evaluaciones audiométricas con un promedio de 5,5 audiometrías por trabajador. El impacto de las medidas correctivas aplicadas fue la prevención de nuevos casos de Hipoacusia Inducida por Ruido y que no incrementó el grado de lesión auditiva en los casos diagnosticados, a pesar del incremento significativo en la edad y tiempo de exposición del grupo en estudio. Al inicio del estudio el 38,5 por ciento de los trabajadores refirió manifestaciones auditivas y el 23,1 por ciento manifestaciones extra-auditivas, el evaluar el PCA solo el 7,7 por ciento refirió síntomas auditivos y el 100 por ciento no refirió manifestaciones extra-auditivas(AU)

In the present investigation, 13 glass factory workers exposed to loud noise participated in the implementation and evaluation of a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) during a period of nine years. The environmental conditions as well as the hearing ability of the workers were assessed. At this point, the HCP was implemented, and 9 years later in 1996, it was evaluated. The training and Advancement Program of 826 man training hours was basic because it instilled an awareness in the workers which led to the implementation of measures to control exposure such as: the re-location of two work places in a less noisy area; the equipping of personnel with protective gear; the transfer of two workers to departments with less noise, and the construction of a work stall. During the nine years of research, 72 audiometric tests with an average of 5,5 audiometry per worker were made. The results of the corrective measures taken led to the prevention of new cases of noise-induced hearing loss and the non-increase of the degree of additive impairment in those cases in which impairment had already been diagnosed despite the significant increase in age and exposure time of the group being studied. At the beginning of the study, 38,5 % of the workers complained of impaired hearing and 23,1 % had extra-auditive symptoms of impaired hearing. An evaluation of the HCP, only 7,7 % had auditive symptoms auditive of hearing loss and the whole group (100 %) had no extra-auditive manifestations(AU)