scholarly journals Effectiveness of Hearing Loss Prevention Education for Active Duty Military Personnel: A Preliminary Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 684-698
Author(s):  
Sharon Beamer ◽  
Catherine Gagne ◽  
Nutan Chada ◽  
Hina Mehta ◽  
Sheila Piper ◽  
...  

Purpose The combination of effective hearing health education and hearing protection establishes a strong foundation of hearing loss prevention efforts in the military; however, it is not clear which elements of the educational materials used in hearing loss prevention programs are the most effective in preventing noise-induced hearing loss. To explore this question, a cohort of Excellence in Government Fellowship participants and the Army Hearing Program conducted a preliminary study examining two hearing health education materials. Method A convenience sample of active duty personnel reviewed a hearing health education Technical Guide and video, developed by the military for hearing conservation programs. A “pre- and posteducation” questionnaire was administered to assess the participants' knowledge regarding hearing protection, causes of noise-induced hearing loss, effects of noise on hearing, noise exposure both on and off duty, and satisfaction with educational materials provided during the session. Results Short-term learning effects from the educational materials was achieved for some knowledge-based items (> 10% change from pre-education to posteducation), particularly for questions related to the effect of noise-induced hearing loss on ability to hear speech or hear at a distance. Thirty five percent of study participants reported using hearing protection in hazardous noise 75%–100% of the time. Primary reason for not using hearing protection was comfort. Conclusions Despite hearing loss prevention efforts in the military, hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) continue to be prevalent service-connected disabilities among veterans. This study offers some insights regarding current hearing loss prevention understanding and practices for a group of active duty U.S. military personnel. Results from this study can inform future improvements in military hearing loss prevention education.

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Auchter ◽  
Colleen G. Le Prell

PurposeHearing loss prevention has always been an important issue for audiologists. The importance of hearing loss prevention education for young musicians is now recognized by the National Association for Music Education as well as the National Association of Schools of Music. Adopt-a-Band is a commercial program designed to foster hearing loss prevention behavior in young musicians.MethodThis study assessed changes in earplug use, measured using self-report surveys, after Adopt-a-Band training. Participants were members of 2 high school marching bands who viewed an informational DVD and reviewed fact sheets. Flat-attenuation earplugs were distributed, and training was provided. In addition, study participants engaged in discussion of hearing loss with a doctor of audiology student.ResultsBefore training, 23% of participants reported they had previously used hearing protection. Immediately after training, 94% of participants reported they planned to use hearing protection at least occasionally. In a final end-of-season survey, earplug use had reliably increased; 62% of participants reported they used earplugs at least occasionally.ConclusionsEarplug use increased, but self-reported behavioral change was not as robust as predicted from self-reported participant intentions. Participant comments regarding factors that influenced their earplug use decisions suggest opportunities to improve training.


Author(s):  
Nasim Alnuman ◽  
Talha Ghnimat

Action to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is necessary, especially because many causes of permanent hearing loss are preventable. The aim of this study is to identify and raise awareness of the effect of loud sounds on hearing and effective ways to protect ears among young adults in Jordan. Using non-probability and convenience sampling, 245 students (113 female and 132 males, aged 21.5 years ± 2.18) from three universities participated in the study and filled the questionnaire completely. The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions targeting hearing health. The answers were analyzed statistically, and comparisons were made using the t-test. Hearing loss was regarded as an important issue by 64.1% of the participants. Among the participants, 58% already suffered from at least one hearing symptom, even though only 9.8% used earplugs to protect their hearing. After receiving information on noise-induced hearing loss, 56.3% were likely or somewhat likely to use earplugs in the future (p < 0.01). This indicates that education and knowledge have a strong influence on student attitudes. It is obvious that the awareness of noise-induced hearing loss among adults in Jordan is very low. The authorities, policymakers, media, and educational institutes should recognize their responsibility in raising the awareness of the danger of loud music among young adults.


Author(s):  
Jennifer Tufts

Loud music and noisy hobbies are part of our cultural landscape. These activities can be enjoyed with minimal risk to hearing if a few commonsense guidelines are followed. Educating clients about risks and protective strategies will empower them to make informed decisions about their hearing health that best reflect their values and priorities. In this article, the author covers essential information to avoiding noise-induced hearing loss, writing in easily accessible language to better help clinicians convey this information to their clients.


Author(s):  
David C. Byrne ◽  
Thais C. Morata

Exposure to industrial noise and the resulting effect of occupational hearing loss is a common problem in nearly all industries. This chapter describes industrial noise exposure, its assessment, and hearing disorders that result from overexposure to noise. Beginning with the properties of sound, noise-induced hearing loss and other effects of noise exposure are discussed. The impact of hearing disorders and the influence of other factors on hearing loss are described. Typically, noise-induced hearing loss develops slowly, and usually goes unnoticed until a significant impairment has occurred. Fortunately, occupational hearing loss is nearly always preventable. Therefore, this chapter gives particular attention to recommendations for measures to prevent occupational hearing loss such as engineering noise controls and hearing protection devices.


2019 ◽  
Vol 184 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 615-620
Author(s):  
Tanisha L Hammill ◽  
Elizabeth McKenna ◽  
Quintin Hecht ◽  
Kari Buchanan ◽  
Nina Pryor

Abstract Objective Information is summarized from the overall body of published literature regarding ototoxic chemicals encountered outside of clinical exposures, largely in occupational settings. While summarizing the most common non-pharmaceutical ototoxins, this review provides clinically relevant information and recommendations such that hearing health professionals may adopt a more comprehensive and appropriate diagnostic case history, test battery, documentation scheme, and education delivery. Methods Solvents, metals, and asphyxiants literature was reviewed using PubMed, national and international agency websites, and communications with known ototoxicity experts. Results Initial intentions to summarize the existing programs for occupational ototoxicity monitoring fell short when it was discovered that such programs have not yet formalized across the major oversight agencies in the United States. Instead, recommended guidance documents and fact sheets, which highlight existing occupational exposure limits and suggest monitoring and education are discussed. Conclusions While evidence in humans is limited, potentially ototoxic substances are worthy of improved surveillance and further research to understand their ototoxic mechanisms, effects, and possible mitigation strategies. A triad approach of monitoring, protecting, and educating is recommended for effective prevention of hearing loss: the Department of Defense Hearing Center of Excellence’s Comprehensive Hearing Health Program model employs such an approach.


CoDAS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Tikka ◽  
Jos Verbeek ◽  
Erik Kateman ◽  
Thais Catalani Morata ◽  
Wouter Dreschler ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Purpose Assess the effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions at work on noise exposure or occupational hearing loss compared to no or alternative interventions. Research strategies Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, OSHupdate, Cochrane Central and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were searched. Selection criteria Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT), Controlled Before-After studies (CBA) and Interrupted Time-Series studies (ITS) evaluating engineering controls, administrative controls, personal hearing protection devices, and hearing surveillance were included. Case studies of engineering controls were collected. Data analysis Cochrane methods for systematic reviews, including meta-analysis, were followed. Results 29 studies were included. Stricter legislation can reduce noise levels by 4.5 dB(A) (very low-quality evidence). Engineering controls can immediately reduce noise (107 cases). Eleven RCTs and CBA studies (3725 participants) were evaluated through Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs). Training of earplug insertion reduces noise exposure at short term follow-up (moderate quality evidence). Earmuffs might perform better than earplugs in high noise levels but worse in low noise levels (very low-quality evidence). HPDs might reduce hearing loss at very long-term follow-up (very low-quality evidence). Seventeen studies (84028 participants) evaluated hearing loss prevention programs. Better use of HPDs might reduce hearing loss but other components not (very low-quality evidence). Conclusion Hearing loss prevention and interventions modestly reduce noise exposure and hearing loss. Better quality studies and better implementation of noise control measures and HPDs is needed.


Author(s):  
Puguh Setyo Nugroho ◽  
Nyilo Purnami ◽  
Rosa Falerina ◽  
Rizka Fathoni Perdana ◽  
Yoga Rahmadiyanto ◽  
...  

AbstractNoise can have an impact on hearing loss. Changes in hearing thresholds due to noise are some temporary but others potentially permanent. The impact of hearing loss must be controlled so the quality of life will not decrease. A cross-sectional study to assess the quality and increasing knowledge about noise-induced hearing loss was implemented with lectures, discussions and a pre-test before the activity and a post-test after the activity to assess the knowledge development. The polling was conducted to assess the participants' attitudes and psychomotor skills. The study was followed by 77 participants, most of whom were aged 20-30 years, namely 23 (30%). It was found that 16 people (20%) had complaints of hearing loss, 18 people (24%) often used headsets and earphones, 18 (23%) people worked in noisy places. The average pre-test result was 35.06 (+13.72) and the post-test was 77.9 (+20.81). Comparison of pre-test and post-test results of hearing health education obtained different results (p < 0.0001) significantly. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent deafness and cannot be treated with medicine or surgery. Prevention is the most important thing from noise-induced hearing loss. The counseling education about noise-induced hearing loss on community must always be performed as an prevention and early detection.Keywords: deafness, noise induce hearing loss, prevention, education AbstrakBising dapat berdampak terhadap gangguan pendengaran. Perubahan batas pendengaran akibat bising yang bersifat sementara, dan perubahan batas pendengaran akibat bising yang bersifat menetap. Dampak gangguan pendengaran harus dikendalikan agar tidak menimbulkan penuruna kualitas kehidupan. Studi cross sectional untuk menilai kualitas dan upaya peningkatan pengetahuan tentang gangguan pednegaran akibat bising dilaksanakan dengan ceramah, diskusi dan dilakukan pre test sebelum kegiatan dan post test setelah kegiatan untuk menilai peningkatan pengetahuan. Survei jajak pendapat dilakukan untuk menilai sikap dan psikomotor peserta. Studi diikuti 77 peserta, usia terbanyak di usia 20 – 30 tahun yaitu 23 orang (30%). Didapatkan 16 orang (20%) mengalami keluhan gangguan pendengaran, 18 orang (24%) sering menggunakan headset dan earphone,18 (23%) orang bekerja di tempat bising.  Hasil rata-rata pre test 35,06  (+13,72) dan rata-rata post test 77,9 (+20,81). Perbandingan hasil pre test dan  post  test  penyuluhan  kesehatan  pendengaran  didapatkan  hasil  yang  berbeda signifikan (p < 0,0001). Tuli akibat bising merupakan tuli yang bersifat menetap dan tidak dapat diobati dengan obat maupun pembedahan, pencegahan merupakan hal yang terpenting dari tuli akibat bising atau noise induced hearing loss.Kegiatan edukasi penyuluhan gangguan pendengaran akibat bising harus senantiasa dilakukan di masyarakat sebagai upaya pencegahan dan deteksi dini.Kata kunci: Tuli, gangguan pendengaran karena bising, pencegahan, edukasi 


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