Perceptions, Beliefs, and Attitudes Toward Various Hearing Conservation Approaches Reported by Indiana College Agriculture Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 109-122
Author(s):  
Sylvanna L. Bielko ◽  
Khalid M. Khan ◽  
M. Margaret Weigel
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
List Type ◽  
Multiple Features ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Agriculture Students ◽  
Computer Based Training ◽  
Classroom Presentation

HighlightsNoise-measuring applications (apps) and in-person classroom presentation were identified as the most preferred approaches by the college agriculture students.Multiple features of noise apps and in-person intervention were identified as beneficial.A subset of participants reported that a combination of approaches could influence hearing protection use.Abstract. Noise-induced hearing loss is a major public health challenge for agricultural communities. However, there is limited hearing conservation research addressing the issue, especially for youth and young adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions and practices of Indiana undergraduate students who lived or worked on a farm. The students were asked to rank the most common and current hearing conservation educational approaches, including in-person classroom presentation, mailers, and technology-based approaches, i.e., computer-based training, interactive websites, static websites, and smartphone noise-measuring applications (apps). A total of 91 undergraduate students enrolled in agriculture classes at four Indiana higher educational institutions participated in the study. They completed a sociodemographic and farm activity survey, followed by a 30-minute in-person presentation on hearing health conservation. After the presentation, each participant completed a questionnaire that included items about their perceptions of the feasibility, sustainability, rankings, and preferences of the various educational approaches discussed in the presentation. Participants ranked the noise-measuring app and in-person classroom presentation as their most preferred educational approaches for hearing conservation (39% and 28%, respectively). They identified multiple features of these two intervention approaches as beneficial. Sixty-four percent of participants indicated that a combination of approaches could influence hearing protection use and should include in-person classroom presentation and one of the technology-based approaches (noise-measuring apps, 37.3%). These findings are expected to assist health interventionists and program designers in developing future hearing protection education programs for farm youth, who may otherwise lack access to resources for preventing premature hearing loss due to loud noise exposure. Keywords: Agricultural workers, Hearing conservation, Hearing protection, Undergraduate college students, Youth education.

Vocal Performance Teachers and Hearing Loss

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-24
Author(s):  
Vance Gunnell ◽  
Jeff Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Otoacoustic Emissions ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Vocal Performance ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Distortion Product ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Performance Teachers

Hearing thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions were measured for teachers of vocal performance who were gathered for a national conference. Results showed mean audiometric thresholds to be consistent with noise induced hearing loss, more than what would be expected with normal aging. Years of instruction and age were considered as factors in the hearing loss observed. It was concluded that hearing conservation should be initiated with this group to help raise awareness and protect them from hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure.

Noise Exposure and Hearing Disorders

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Byrne ◽  
Thais C. Morata
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Disorders ◽  
Industrial Noise ◽  
Significant Impairment ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Occupational Hearing Loss

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.

Field Monitoring of Otoacoustic Emissions During Noise Exposure: Pilot Study in Controlled Environment

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3S) ◽  
pp. 352-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Nadon ◽  
Annelies Bockstael ◽  
Dick Botteldooren ◽  
Jérémie Voix
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Otoacoustic Emissions ◽  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Conservation Programs ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Hearing Status

Purpose In spite of all the efforts to implement workplace hearing conservation programs, noise-induced hearing loss remains the leading cause of disability for North American workers. Nonetheless, an individual's susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss can be estimated by monitoring changes in hearing status in relation to the level of ambient noise exposure. The purpose of this study was to validate an approach that could improve workplace hearing conservation practices. The approach was developed using a portable and robust system designed for noisy environments and consisted of taking continuous measurements with high temporal resolution of the health status of the inner ear using otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). Method A pilot study was conducted in a laboratory, exposing human subjects to industrial noise recordings at realistic levels. In parallel, OAEs were measured periodically using the designed OAE system as well as with a commercially available OAE system, used as a reference. Results Variations in OAE levels were analyzed and discussed along with the limitations of the reference and designed systems. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the monitoring of an individual's OAEs could be useful in monitoring temporary changes in hearing status induced by exposure to ambient noise and could be considered as a new tool for effective hearing conservation programs in the workplace.

Hearing loss as a predictor for hearing protection attenuation among miners

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-106838
Author(s):  
Elon D Ullman ◽  
Lauren M Smith ◽  
Marjorie C McCullagh ◽  
Richard L Neitzel
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Mining Sites ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Midwestern Usa ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Fit Testing

ObjectiveThis study investigated risk factors for poor earplug fit, with a focus on the association between hearing loss and personal attenuation ratings (PARs).MethodsEarplug fit was assessed by obtaining PARs using a real ear at attenuation threshold (REAT) system. Hearing loss was assessed using the unoccluded hearing thresholds measured during the REAT testing and the results of a speech-in-noise test. Potential predictors of PARs were modelled using both simple and multiple linear regression. Hearing loss was the primary predictor of interest.ResultsData were collected from 200 workers at ten above-ground mining sites in the Midwestern USA. Workers reported wearing their hearing protection on average 73.9% of the time in a high noise environment (mean 8-hour time-weighted average noise exposure 85.5 dBA, range 65–103 dBA). One-quarter (26.7%) of workers were found to have a hearing loss (hearing threshold ≥25 dB across 1–4 kHz), and 42% reported symptoms of tinnitus. Workers with a hearing loss had a significantly lower PAR than those without a hearing loss (β=−5.1, SE=1.7).ConclusionsThe results of the adjusted regression models suggest that workers with hearing loss achieved significantly lower PARs than those without hearing loss. This association between hearing loss and hearing protection devices (HPD) fit brings into focus the potential benefit of fit checks to be included in hearing conservation programmes. Workers found to have hearing loss should be prioritised for fit testing, as their hearing impairment may be associated with poor HPD fit.

scholarly journals Cochrane method for systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss – abridged

CoDAS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Tikka ◽  
Jos Verbeek ◽  
Erik Kateman ◽  
Thais Catalani Morata ◽  
Wouter Dreschler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Loss Prevention ◽  
Engineering Controls ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
Quality Evidence

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.

scholarly journals The occupational effects of unconventional (custom-made) hearing protection for platinum mine workers

2003 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Steenkamp
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Priority List ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Hearing Protectors ◽  
Mine Workers

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is on the priority list of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Hearing loss due to industrial noise exposure is the most prevalent industrial disease. Noise (above 85 dB) is not only a physical hazard, but also a psychological hazard that may create or exacerbate ergonomic or mechanical hazards. Conventional hearing protection devices (HPDs) are widely applied but also misused in the mining sector. In this investigation ownership and general attitudes were measured by determining how unconventional hearing protectors (custom-made hearing protectors) (CHPDs) is experienced by the mine- workers. The results could indicate whether these protectors, which is perceived by management to be costly, sophisticated and difficult to implement on a large scale, are a viable alternative to conventional hearing protectors. The results indicated certain positive directions in terms of quality hearing conservation and confirmed that CHPDs (with its unique features) do not only protect hearing but has several other occupational benefits. Opsomming Geraasdoofheid is op die prioriteitslys van die Wêreld Gesondheidsorganisasie (WHO). Gehoorverlies wat deur industriële geraasblootstelling veroorsaak word, word as die mees prominente beroepgesondheidsiekte beskou. Geraas (bo 85 dB) is nie net ’n fisiese risiko nie, maar hou ook ook psigologiese gevare in, wat ander meganiese en ergonomiese risiko’s kan veroorsaak of vererger. Konvensionele geraasdempers word op grootskaal in die mynsektor gebruik, maar ook wanaangewend. In hierdie ondersoek is eienaarskap en die algemene gesindhede van gebruikers gemeet deur te bepaal hoe onkonvensionele gehoorbeskermers (doelgemaakte gehoorbeskermers) deur die mynwerkers self ervaar word. Die resultate kan as ‘n aanduiding dien of hierdie beskermers, wat dikwels deur bestuur as duur, gesofistikeerd en moeilik op ‘n grootskaal implementeerbaar is, as ’n lewensvatbare alternatief tot konvensionele gehoorbeskermers oorweeg moet word. Die resultate toon sekere positiewe aspekte ten opsigte van gehalte gehoorkonservering en het bevestig dat doelgemaakte gehoorbeskermers (met hul unieke eienskappe) nie slegs gehoor beskerm nie, maar verskeie ander beroepsverwante voordele inhou.

Evidence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Young People Studying Popular Music

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Barlow
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Young People ◽  
Popular Music ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Classical Music ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Music Students ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss

The number of students studying popular music, music technology, and sound engineering courses at both school and university to has increased rapidly in the last few years. These students are generally involved in music-making/recording and listening to a high level, usually in environments with amplified music. Recent studies have shown that these students are potentially exposed to a high risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and are not covered by the same regulatory framework as employees. This study examined the pure tone air conduction hearing thresholds of 50 undergraduate students, including recent school leavers, on a range of popular music courses, to assess if there was evidence of hearing loss. Forty-four percent of students showed evidence of audiometric notch at 4–6 kHz, and 16% were classified under the UK Occupational Health and Safety guidelines as exhibiting mild hearing loss. Instance of audiometric notch was considerably higher than reported from studies of the general population but was around the same level or lower than that reported from studies of “traditional” music courses and conservatoires, suggesting no higher risk for popular music students than for “classical” music students. No relationship with age was present, suggesting that younger students were as likely to exhibit audiometric notch as mature students. This indicates that these students may be damaging their hearing through leisure activities while still at school, suggesting a need for robust education measures to focus on noise exposure of young people.

Use of Hearing Protection and Perceptions of Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss Among Construction Workers

AIHAJ ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 59 (7) ◽  
pp. 466-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally L. Lusk ◽  
Madeleine J. Kerr ◽  
Sirkka A. Kauffman
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Hearing Protection

scholarly journals The Impact of Annual Audiograms on Employee’s Habits and Awareness Regarding Hearing Protection and Noise Induced Hearing Loss, On and Off the Job

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariel Leshchinsky
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Conservation Program ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time ◽  
At Home

Noise-induced hearing loss occurs among workers across a wide spectrum of industries. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether annual hearing testing contributed to a change in employees’ habits and awareness and aimed to evaluate the use of hearing protection at work and at home. Employees enrolled in a university’s hearing conservation program (HCP) were anonymously surveyed regarding their hearing protection habits and awareness of noise exposures on and off the job using a Likert-type scale. Approximately half were “very much” concerned about hearing loss over time. Evidence supports that annual testing, part of the workplace HCP, also led over half of participants to change their habits at work and at home. Awareness of noise exposures increased both at home and at work with annual testing. Overall, the HCP in this particular setting was associated with improved on-the-job and home hearing protection use.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document