Awareness, attitudes and perceptions of students towards leisure noise in Durban, South Africa.

BACKGROUND:  Young adults are exposed to high noise levels in leisure venues, which increases their risk of hearing loss, and can affect their quality of life. OBJECTIVES:  The aim of this study was to describe the young adults' awareness, attitudes and perceptions towards leisure noise at a university in South Africa. METHOD:  A descriptive cross-sectional study design with quantitative methods of data was considered for this study. Students from first to fourth years in the Education Department of a local university in Durban, South Africa, who were aged 18 years old - 25 years old were invited to participate in an online survey. RESULTS:  Of the 462 participants, most had a general awareness on noise and hearing loss but lacked knowledge on the negative effect of loud noise, with 95.2% using personal listening devices, followed by visiting restaurants and gyms, and 48.3% being unsure if noise can damage hearing permanently. They were unaware of methods to reduce their exposure to noise. A significant relationship between awareness of noise and attitudes (p = 0.029) indicated that the higher the level of awareness regarding leisure noise, the better their attitude and behaviour, thus the lower the risk of hearing loss. CONCLUSION:  The results highlight the need for implementing the World Health Organization (WHO) noise regulations and providing education for this age group to prevent irreversible hearing loss through exposure to leisure noise.Contribution: A national study is recommended to increase research evidence.

Advancing noise management in aviation: Strategic approaches for preventing noise-induced hearing loss.

As urbanization and population growth escalate, the challenge of noise pollution intensifies, particularly within the aviation industry. This review examines current insights into noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in aviation, highlighting the risks to pilots, cabin crew, aircraft maintenance engineers, and ground staff from continuous exposure to high-level noise. It evaluates existing noise management and hearing conservation strategies, identifying key obstacles and exploring new technological solutions. While progress in developing protective devices and noise control technologies is evident, gaps in their widespread implementation persist. The study underscores the need for an integrated strategy combining regulatory compliance, technological advances, and targeted educational efforts. It advocates for global collaboration and policy development to safeguard the auditory health of aviation workers and proposes a strategic framework to enhance hearing conservation practices within the unique challenges of the aviation sector.

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.

The influencing factors of hearing protection device usage among noise-exposed workers in Guangdong Province: a structural equation modeling-based survey.

BACKGROUND: There are numerous complex barriers and facilitators to continuously wearing hearing protection devices (HPDs) for noise-exposed workers. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between HPD wearing behavior and hearing protection knowledge and attitude, HPD wearing comfort, and work-related factors. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 524 noise-exposed workers in manufacturing enterprises in Guangdong Province, China. Data were collected on hearing protection knowledge and attitudes, HPD wearing comfort and behavior, and work-related factors through a questionnaire. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we tested the association among the study variables. RESULTS: Among the total workers, 69.47% wore HPD continuously, and the attitudes of hearing protection (26.17 ± 2.958) and total HPD wearing comfort (60.13 ± 8.924) were satisfactory, while hearing protection knowledge (3.54 ± 1.552) was not enough. SEM revealed that hearing protection knowledge had direct effects on attitudes (ß = 0.333, p < 0.01) and HPD wearing behavior (ß = 0.239, p < 0.01), and the direct effect of total HPD wearing comfort on behavior was ß = 0.157 (p < 0.01). The direct effect also existed between work shifts and behavior (ß=-0.107, p < 0.05). Indirect relationships mainly existed between other work-related factors, hearing protection attitudes, and HPD wearing behavior through knowledge. Meanwhile, work operation had a direct and negative effect on attitudes (ß=-0.146, p < 0.05), and it can also indirectly and positively affect attitudes through knowledge (ß = 0.08, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The behavior of wearing HPD was influenced by hearing protection knowledge, comfort in wearing HPD, and work-related factors. The results showed that to improve the compliance of noise-exposed workers wearing HPD continuously when exposed to noise, the HPD wearing comfort and work-related factors must be taken into consideration. In addition, we evaluated HPD wearing comfort in physical and functional dimensions, and this study initially verified the availability of the questionnaire scale of HPD wearing comfort.

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.

Measuring earplug noise attenuation: A comparison of laboratory and field methods.

Hearing protection device (HPD) fit-testing is a recommended best practice for hearing conservation programs as it yields a metric of the amount of attenuation an individual achieves with an HPD. This metric, the personal attenuation rating (PAR), provides hearing health care, safety, and occupational health personnel the data needed to select the optimal hearing protection for the occupational environment in which the HPD will be worn. Although commercial-off-the-shelf equipment allows the professional to complete HPD fit tests in the field, a standard test methodology does not exist across HPD fit-test systems. The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of attenuation obtained using the "gold standard" laboratory test (i.e., real-ear attenuation at threshold [REAT]) and three commercially available HPD fit-test systems (i.e., Benson Computer Controlled Fit Test System [CCF-200] with narrowband noise stimuli, Benson CCF-200 with pure tone stimuli, and Michael and Associates FitCheck Solo). A total of 57 adults, aged 18 to 63, were enrolled in the study and tested up to seven earplugs each across all fit-test systems. Once fitted by a trained member of the research team, earplugs remained in the ear throughout testing across test systems. Results revealed a statistically significant difference in measured group noise attenuation between the laboratory and field HPD fit-test systems (p < .0001). The mean attenuation was statistically significantly different (Benson CCF-200 narrowband noise was +3.1 dB, Benson CCF-200 pure tone was +2.1 dB, and Michael and Associates FitCheck Solo was +2.5 dB) from the control laboratory method. However, the mean attenuation values across the three experimental HPD fit-test systems did not reach statistical significance and were within 1.0 dB of one another. These findings imply consistency across the evaluated HPD fit-test systems and agree with the control REAT test method. Therefore, the use of each is acceptable for obtaining individual PARs outside of a laboratory environment.

NIOSH Hearing Loss Prevention Program for Mining.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) continues to be a pervasive problem for the nation's workforce, particularly the nation's mining personnel. As one of the leading health and safety organizations in the world, the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) in Pittsburgh maintains a Hearing Loss Prevention Program (HLPP) to conduct research to reduce NIHL loss among the nation's miners. This document provides a brief overview of this HLPP, describing some of the research techniques involved in the development of engineering noise controls, methods for the development of administrative noise controls, and some of the products available to the public to protect the nation's workers hearing.

Risk factors associated with occupational noise-induced hearing loss in the Hispanic community health study/study of Latinos: A cross-sectional epidemiologic investigation.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of occupational noise exposure and risk factors of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in Hispanic/Latino adults included in the baseline wave of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos collected from 2008 to 2011. Sequential multiple linear regression modeled the relationship between occupational NIHL (defined as a 3-, 4-, 6-kHz pure-tone average [PTA]) and occupation type, self-reported noise exposure, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score, and hearing protective device (HPD) use. The final model controlled for sex, age, and recreational noise exposure. Among 12,851 included participants, approximately 40% (n = 5036) reported occupational noise exposure "Sometimes" (up to 50% of the time) or "Frequently" (75-100% of the time). In the final fitted model, longest-held occupation and CVD risk were associated with poorer hearing. Specifically, those in non-skilled, service, skilled, and military/police/other job categories had between 2.07- and 3.29-dB worse PTA than professional/office workers. Additionally, a shift in the CVD risk score category from low to medium was associated with a 2.25- and 8.20-dB worse PTA for medium and high CVD risk, respectively. Age and sex were also significantly associated with poorer hearing, such that men presented with 6.08 dB worse PTA than women, and for every one-year increase in age, PTA increased by 0.62 dB (ps < .001). No interactions were seen between noise*sometimes or frequent exposure to other ototoxic agents and PTA (ps = .33 & .92, respectively). The prevalence of occupational noise exposure was high in this cross-sectional investigation of adults from Hispanic/Latino backgrounds. Findings contribute to the extant literature by demonstrating that risk factors for occupational NIHL in adults from varying Hispanic/Latino backgrounds are consistent with those of other previously studied groups.

The development and evaluation of an online hearing loss prevention program.

Recent studies underline the need for research on approaches to encouraging healthy listening habits. This study aims to develop and evaluate an online hearing loss prevention program; and examine its influence on the participants' use of hearing protection, hearing loss prevention knowledge, attitude towards noise, and program useability and adherence. The study was conducted in the county of Västra Götaland, Sweden, from March through October 2021. The program included four modules focused on hearing and hearing loss prevention and was accessible to the participants for four weeks. In total, 75 participants completed the program which was evaluated using the Youth Attitude to Noise Scale and four additional self-designed questionnaires. The questionnaires were deployed before and immediately after program completion. The findings indicate that the program may influence the participants' attitudes toward noise and the use of hearing protection. The participants who completed the program perceived high useability and increased hearing loss prevention knowledge. This program is most needed to promote healthy hearing. Future studies should target specific groups with this program and evaluate its long-term effects.

Prevalence of hearing protection use and subjective auditory symptoms among Spanish classical orchestral musicians.

INTRODUCTION: Sensorineural hearing loss caused by exposure to noise is one of the most frequent causes of deafness. Professional musicians have significant occupational exposure to high levels of noise. Use of hearing protection among musicians could substantially prevent hearing damage, though the rate of use is quite low. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A questionnaire on the use of protective hearing devices, hearing care, and subjective judgments of hearing difficulties was completed by a group of classical musicians from Spain. We analysed the frequency of device use by instrument based on contingency tables analysed by χ2 tests. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-four Spanish classical orchestral musicians voluntarily completed the questionnaire. The percentage of musicians who reported using hearing protection in our survey was very low and varied with the type of instrument played. However, we found a high prevalence of subjective auditory disorders within this group. CONCLUSION: Few Spanish musicians use hearing protection. Training on hearing-loss prevention in this field and better protective devices could increase device use and improve the auditory health of this group.

The rate of occupational noise-induced hearing loss among male workers in Israel and implication on hearing surveillance frequency.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the annual rate of NIHL in Israel, a modern economy with relatively low industrial hazardous noise exposure. To review international protocols of hearing surveillance. To recommend an effective, efficient, hearing screening frequency protocol. METHODS: A historical cohort study was conducted. Audiometric surveillance data from the Jerusalem occupational medicine registry of male employees in various industries from 2006 to 2017 were used. Mean individual annual threshold shifts simulating 1-8 checkup interval years were calculated. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess the interval in which the slope of the calculated ATS variability moderates significantly. RESULTS: A total of 263 noise-exposed workers and 93 workers in the comparison group produced 1913 audiograms for analysis. Among the noise-exposed workers, using the 1-4 kHz average, threshold shifts stabilized from 3 years onwards at around 1 dB per year in all age groups and 0.83 dB in the stratum younger than 50 years. No enhanced decline was detected in the first years of exposure. CONCLUSION: Although most countries conduct annual hearing surveillance, hearing threshold shifts of noise-exposed workers become more accurate and show less variability when calculated at 3-year checkup intervals onwards than shorter intervals. Since margins of errors of the test method are much larger than the annual shift found, screening schedule that enables each subsequent test to identify a real deterioration in hearing is necessary. Triennial audiometric screening would be a better surveillance frequency for noise-exposed workers younger than 50 years of age in the category of 85-95 dBLAeq,8 h without other known risk factors.

Hearing Health Awareness and the Need for Educational Outreach Amongst Teachers in Malawi.

Malawi, as a low-income country in southeastern Africa, severely lacks early identification, diagnosis and intervention measures for hearing loss. Due to its constrained resources, an educational awareness campaign targeted at professionals can be a cost-effective instrument in promoting good health care through awareness, prevention, and early identification of hearing loss. The aim of this study is to assess school teachers' knowledge of hearing health, audiology services, identification, and management of hearing issues before and after an educational intervention. METHODS: A Pre-Survey, followed by an educational intervention, and a Post-Survey were completed by teacher participants. A similar World Health Organization-derived survey was also administered to compare to our locally adapted survey. Trends related to efficacy, performance, and survey improvement were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 387 teachers participated. The average score on the Post-Survey was significantly improved compared to the Pre-Survey (71% to 97% correct responses) with the educational intervention. The only predictive variable related to performance was the location of the school within the capital of Lilongwe compared to rural sites outside of the capital. Our locally adapted survey compared favorably to the WHO survey. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there is a statistically significant improvement in the implementation of an educational program to increase the knowledge and awareness of hearing health care among teachers. Some topics were more poorly understood than others, suggesting the need for targeted awareness interventions. Location within the capital city had some effect on performance but a high rate of correct responses was achievable across the participants independent of age, teaching experience, or gender. Our data support the idea that hearing health awareness interventions can be an effective and low-cost option to equip teachers to effectively serve as an advocate for improved identification, early diagnosis and appropriate referral of students with hearing loss.

Prevalence of hearing protection use and subjective auditory symptoms among Spanish classical orchestral musicians / Prevalencia del uso de protección auditiva y síntomas auditivos subjetivos entre los intérpretes de orquesta de música clásica españoles

Introduction: Sensorineural hearing loss caused by exposure to noise is one of the most frequent causes of deafness. Professional musicians have significant occupational exposure to high levels of noise. Use of hearing protection among musicians could substantially prevent hearing damage, though the rate of use is quite low.Methods and materialA questionnaire on the use of protective hearing devices, hearing care, and subjective judgments of hearing difficulties was completed by a group of classical musicians from Spain. We analysed the frequency of device use by instrument based on contingency tables analysed by χ2 tests.ResultsOne hundred and ninety-four Spanish classical orchestral musicians voluntarily completed the questionnaire. The percentage of musicians who reported using hearing protection in our survey was very low and varied with the type of instrument played. However, we found a high prevalence of subjective auditory disorders within this group.ConclusionFew Spanish musicians use hearing protection. Training on hearing-loss prevention in this field and better protective devices could increase device use and improve the auditory health of this group. (AU)

Introducción: La hipoacusia neurosensorial motivada por la exposición al ruido es una de las causas más frecuentes de sordera. Los músicos profesionales tienen una exposición ocupacional significativa a los altos niveles de ruido. El uso de protección auditiva entre los músicos podría prevenir sustancialmente el daño auditivo, aunque su tasa de utilización es bastante baja.Métodos y materialUn grupo de intérpretes de orquesta de música clásica españoles completó un cuestionario sobre el uso de dispositivos de protección auditiva, cuidados auditivos, y opiniones subjetivas sobre las dificultades auditivas. Analizamos la frecuencia del uso de dispositivos por instrumento basada en tablas de contingencia analizadas mediante pruebas χ2.ResultadosCiento noventa y cuatro intérpretes de orquesta de música clásica españoles completaron el cuestionario voluntariamente. El porcentaje de músicos que reportaron el uso de protección auditiva en nuestra encuesta fue muy bajo, y variable dependiendo del tipo de instrumento interpretado. Sin embargo, encontramos una alta prevalencia de trastornos auditivos subjetivos dentro de este grupo.ConclusiónPocos músicos españoles utilizan protección auditiva. La formación sobre prevención de hipoacusia en este campo y la mejora de los dispositivos protectores podría incrementar el uso y mejorar la salud auditiva de este colectivo. (AU)

Evaluation of hearing protection device effectiveness for musicians.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate musicians' personal attenuation and perceptions of three types of hearing protection devices (HPDs): formable foam earplugs and both non-custom and custom versions of uniform attenuation earplugs (UAEs) marketed to musicians. DESIGN: A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate the HPDs. Audiometric testing obtained hearing levels at baseline and with each HPD across frequencies (125-8000 Hz) to determine personal attenuation ratings and uniformity of attenuation. Participants completed surveys over six months regarding how often they used the HPDs and their perceptions about wearing them. STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty-four musicians were recruited to participate. RESULTS: Substantial variability was observed in the attenuation achieved among participants for each HPD type, but custom UAEs provided the most consistent attenuation across frequencies. Participants' HPD preferences were influenced by multiple factors including personal instrument and specific activity. Custom UAEs were most frequently used but usage rates continually decreased over the 6-month period. CONCLUSIONS: Fit-testing is important to determine fit and sizing. Combining information on the effectiveness of HPDs with musicians' opinions about wearing them can inform recommendations for which types may be the most effective and feasible options for reducing sound exposures.

Field assessment of acute auditory responses to environmental exposures in close quarters tactics training.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate auditory performance of military instructors as part of a training course involving noise and blast exposure. Boothless audiometry was used to estimate the test-retest reliability of the auditory measures under realistic field conditions and to determine risk of acute auditory injury during standard training practices. DESIGN AND STUDY SAMPLE: Thirteen U.S. Marine instructors participated in study activities. An audiologic testing suite embedded in a noise-attenuating headset was used to test various tone detection tasks on subjects after exposure. Acoustic exposures were captured with sound level meters. RESULTS: Boothless audiometry provide highly repeatable results for various tests of auditory performance in the field environment. In this test population, changes in auditory performance pre- and post-noise exposure were minimal for most measures. The notable exception was binaural (NoSπ) tone detection, which showed significant degradations both as a function of pre- and post-noise exposure on the same day and as a result of cumulative noise exposure over the period of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Study outcomes are consistent with prior laboratory and epidemiological work and suggest a link between the binaural processes required for NoSπ detection and the hearing-related issues reported by blast-exposed service members.

Attitudes to noise in young adults and associated factors: adaptation of the youth attitude to noise scale into Spanish using item response theory analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the attitudes to noise in young adults and the possible effects of gender, age, and a positive history of auditory symptoms related to recreational noise exposure on the attitudes to noise in this population. DESIGN: The Youth Attitude to Noise (YANS) and the hearing symptom description (HSD) scales were adapted into Spanish to be used with young adults. The validity was determined using factor analyses and Item Response Theory (IRT) models. Linear regression models were used to determine whether the YANS scores were associated with gender, age, and auditory symptoms. STUDY SAMPLE: Both instruments were given to a sample of 728 Chilean young adults. Data obtained from this sample was used to determine the YANS and HSD scales' validity and to assess the effects of gender, age, and auditory symptoms on attitudes. RESULTS: Our results showed that the YANS and HSD scales had adequate validity and reliability. Differences in the items' capacity to discriminate attitudes to noise were noted using the IRT model. Auditory symptoms were significantly associated with the YANS scores. CONCLUSIONS: The attitudes to noise in Chilean young adults are influenced by self-perception of auditory symptoms, age, and gender.

Area Noise Assessment at Surface Stone, Sand, and Gravel Mines: Application for Reducing Worker Noise Exposure.

Repeated noise exposure and occupational hearing loss are common health problems across industries and especially within the mining industry. Large mechanized processes, blasting, grinding, drilling, and work that is often in close quarters put many miners at an increased risk of noise overexposure. In stone, sand, and gravel mining, noise is generated from a variety of sources, depending on the type of ore being mined as well as the final consumer product provided by that mine. Depending on the source of noise generation, different strategies to reduce and avoid that noise should be implemented. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has evaluated the noise profile at three operational surface stone, sand, and gravel mines. A-weighted sound level meter data as well as phase array beamforming data were collected throughout the mines in areas with high noise exposure or high personnel foot or vehicle traffic. Sound level meter data collected on a grid pattern was used to develop sound profiles of the working areas. These sound contour maps as well as phase array beamforming plots were provided to the mines as well as guidance to modify work areas or personnel traffic to reduce noise exposure.

In Situ Otoacoustic Emission Monitoring to Assess the Effects of Noise Exposure on Hearing Health.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the largest cause of action for indemnity in North American industries despite the widespread implementation of hearing conservation programs. Possible causes behind the onset of NIHL are the intervals between hearing tests which are generally too long and the tests are insufficiently sensitive to detect temporary hearing changes to act and prevent permanent hearing damage. Moreover, current noise regulations might be too lenient as to the permissible maximum noise levels. Short-interval hearing assessment could help to observe temporary changes in hearing health and prevent permanent damage. This study investigates the short-term effects of noise exposure characteristics using repeated measurements of otoacoustic emission (OAE) growth functions and presents the most significant predictors of hearing health changes as observed in sixteen individuals equipped with OAE earpieces. The experimental results of this study show that the impulsiveness and frequency spectrum of the noise level could be a possible cause of the decline in OAE levels. As a consequence, hearing conservation programs should consider taking these noise metrics into account for proper NIHL risk assessment. Such noise exposure and hearing health monitoring could greatly improve hearing conservation practices in the workplace by acting faster and eventually mitigate occupational hearing loss.

Retrospective assessment of the association between noise exposure and nonfatal and fatal injury rates among miners in the United States from 1983 to 2014.

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.

Noise exposure abatement: a perspective from industry occupational health risk assessment reports

Background: Occupational health risk assessments are building blocks for occupational health programmes, allowing for the rating of identified risks and the continuous re-evaluation of the effectiveness of abatement measures. In South African industry, occupational health risk assessments are formally documented in reports, which can be presented as demonstration of legal compliance with legislation. Objective: To identify noise abatement measures recorded in noise risk assessment reports of four manufacturing companies and to rate their effectiveness. Methods: We analysed the occupational health risk assessment reports from 21 operational facilities in four South African companies from the manufacturing and utilities sectors to evaluate, through document analysis, the recorded noise abatement measures. Noise abatement measure effectiveness was rated using a preassigned effectiveness percentage scale. Results: Administrative controls and hearing protection devices were the most commonly used noise exposure abatement measures, but hearing conservation programmes were generally poorly formulated. There were inter- and intra-company differences in the qualitative risk assessment approaches used for rating or ranking the noise risk, which led to different risk conclusions and prioritisation outcomes. The calculated control effectiveness of the abatement measures showed that noise exposure remained largely unacceptable: 16 of the 21 operational units had unacceptable noise exposures, four had tolerable exposures, and one had broadly acceptable exposures. Conclusion: The four companies' common noise abatement measures, as elements of formalised hearing conservation programmes, which included administrative controls and hearing protection devices, were not effective in reducing noise exposure to the broadly acceptable level, reflective of limited use of engineering controls.