scholarly journals Noise exposure and induced hearing loss to workers in small and large scale industries

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4.5) ◽  
pp. 571
Author(s):  
Moses Farrell Luka ◽  
Ertan Akun

The purpose of this research is to determine the level of noise exposure to workers and to recommend how to manage the occupational high level of noise, understanding the workers noise exposure and providing personal ear protectors is the responsibility of employers. After visiting almost all the industries it was noticed that none of these industries are following these requirements. Knowing that expo- sure to excessive noise can cause health problems including temporary or permanent hearing loss, concentration problems, stress, nerv- ousness, sleeping problems and fatigue. The noise levels was measured in different industrial settings in North Cyprus using a noise detecting equipment, cirrus 273 integrated sound level meter with octave band filters. The Safety and health standards for noise exposure were used as the benchmark for our data analysis. Questionnaires were designed to determine how much employees were affected by high noise levels in the workplace. Data’s were analyzed using SPSS statistical program. Survey responses identified the most likely problems faced by industrial workers in North Cyprus. Sound level mapping informed worker noise exposure. It was found the most of the workers were exposed to high level of noise so therefore future studies will focus on industries with the highest noise levels, monitor- ing worker noise exposure using a dosimeter. The use of engineering method is considered best in reducing the high level of noise in these Industries.  

Author(s):  
Chun-Yip Hon ◽  
Illia Tchernikov ◽  
Craig Fairclough ◽  
Alberto Behar

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 604-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zara Ann Stokholm ◽  
Mogens Erlandsen ◽  
Vivi Schlünssen ◽  
Ioannis Basinas ◽  
Jens Peter Bonde ◽  
...  

Abstract Occupational noise exposure is a known risk factor for hearing loss and also adverse cardiovascular effects have been suggested. A job exposure matrix (JEM) would enable studies of noise and health on a large scale. The objective of this study was to create a quantitative JEM for occupational noise exposure assessment of the general working population. Between 2001–2003 and 2009–2010, we recruited workers from companies within the 10 industries with the highest reporting of noise-induced hearing loss according to the Danish Working Environment Authority and in addition workers of financial services and children day care to optimize the range in exposure levels. We obtained 1343 personal occupational noise dosimeter measurements among 1140 workers representing 100 different jobs according to the Danish version of the International Standard Classification of Occupations 1988 (DISCO 88). Four experts used 35 of these jobs as benchmarks and rated noise levels for the remaining 337 jobs within DISCO 88. To estimate noise levels for all 372 jobs, we included expert ratings together with sex, age, occupational class, and calendar year as fixed effects, while job and worker were included as random effects in a linear mixed regression model. The fixed effects explained 40% of the total variance: 72% of the between-jobs variance, −6% of the between-workers variance and 4% of the within-worker variance. Modelled noise levels showed a monotonic increase with increasing expert score and a 20 dB difference between the highest and lowest exposed jobs. Based on the JEM estimates, metal wheel-grinders were among the highest and finance and sales professionals among the lowest exposed. This JEM of occupational noise exposure can be used to prioritize preventive efforts of occupational noise exposure and to provide quantitative estimates of contemporary exposure levels in epidemiological studies of health effects potentially associated with noise exposure.


2008 ◽  
Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. P160-P160
Author(s):  
Angela P Black ◽  
James D Sidman

Objectives To demonstrate that neonatal ventilators produce high noise levels through bone conduction (BC) via endotracheal tubes, as well as air conduction (AC) from ambient noise. Methods A sound level meter was used to measure the noise levels 4 feet from the ventilator and in direct contact at the end of a balloon attached to the ETT to simulate the noise presented to the infant. 3 commonly used neonatal ventilators (Sensormedics 3100A, VIP Bird and Bunnell Jet) were examined. Results Noise levels were significantly higher (6 – 14 dB) at the end of the ETT than 4 ft from the ventilator for all ventilators studied. Conclusions Previous studies have shown high ambient noise levels in NICUs, but have failed to address the actual noise presented to the infant. ETT transmission of noise as a direct bone stimulus through the skull has been overlooked. This study has shown that high noise intensities are being presented not only as AC, but as BC to the infants though the ETT. This study demonstrates, therefore, that ear protection alone will not save these at-risk infants from hearing damage. More must be done to decrease noise exposure and develop quieter machines.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Diana Kusuma Wardhani ◽  
Jojok Mukono Mukono

Introduction: As one of the preferred modes of land transportation, the frequency of train services was very high. One of the negative impacts arising from train activity was noise. The high noise intensity of the train causes hearing loss. Method: This study aims to analyze the differences in the incidence of hearing loss in 2 groups of residents in Turirejo Lawang Malang. This research used the observational method and the data were analyzed descriptive qualitative. A total of 20 people were selected as respondents by purposive sampling. Noise intensity was measured by Sound Level Meter and audiometric measurements were examined at SIMA Malang Laboratory. Result and Discussion: The prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss was more common in residents whose homes at 3-7 m away from the railroad tracks. In addition, residents who lived at least 15 years at a distance of 3-7 m also experienced more hearing loss. One cause of hearing loss is due to exposure to high noise and for a long time and will damage the hair cells in the cochlea, causing hearing loss. If noise exposure continues and for a long period of time damage to hair cells will be permanent and cannot return to normal. Conclusion: There needs to be a policy from the government in determining the minimum limit of the distance of the house to the railroad tracks. In addition, it is necessary to install a barrier near people’s homes to reduce noise.


2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A5.3-A6
Author(s):  
Zara Ann Stokholm ◽  
Inge Brosbøl Iversen ◽  
Henrik Kolstad

Current legislation and threshold limits for occupational noise exposure may not sufficiently account for higher vulnerability of the foetus. We conducted a systematic literature review and identified 20 relevant studies of prenatal noise exposure levels and health. Maternal tissues attenuate industrial noise by about 30 dB. The foetus responds the earliest to noise exposure from the 19th week of gestational age. There is some evidence of an increased risk of hearing loss at prenatal noise levels≥85 dBA (8 hour average) and little evidence at lower levels. Increased risks for preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age and congenital malformations are seen as single study findings at levels≥90 dBA. There is little evidence for how noise exposure may increase the risk of extra-auditive effects in the foetus. Methodological shortcomings and the scarce number of studies limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Still, we recommend pregnant women avoid working at noise levels≥85 dBA.


2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Foluwasayo E. Ologe ◽  
Emmanuel O. Okoro ◽  
Tanimola M. Akande

We studied the level of music loudness to which operators of music recording/retail centre were exposed in order to determine their risk of work-related hearing loss. A survey of consenting operators of music recording centres on six main streets selected by simple random sampling at different locations of the town was carried out using a structured questionnaire. The sound level of the music from the music player speakers in each centre was measured using a sound level meter (Testo 815) duly calibrated with a sound level meter calibrator (Testo 0554.0009). Results were analyzed by simple descriptive statistics. The study involved 79 mainly male young adults aged 27.7 ± 6.8 years (SD). The measured sound levels in the centres ranged from 86-104dBA; with a mean of 96 ± 2.5dBA(SD). Exposure to this music loudness was for an average of 9 hours daily for an employment period averaging about 5 years. Thirty percent of the study population reduced music loudness by turning down the volume; 6.3% sat at six or more metres from the speakers; 10% used ear plugs occasionally and 7.6% had hearing assessment at some stage prior to the present study. The level of noise exposure of this population of young males is in excess of the threshold associated with irreversible hearing loss, and protection measures were less than optimal.


1980 ◽  
Vol 94 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Spencer

AbstactThe possibility of a noise-induced hearing loss occurring as a result of a high level of sucker-tip noise in myringtomy for seromucinous otitis media is discussed, A group of twenty-four ears is investigated and the noise levels generated by the suction tube are mearsured at operation by means of a probe microphone lowered into the external auditory meatus The conclusions reached are that, although the sound levels attained are at times quite high, they are not of suffcient amplitude, nor are they present for a suffcient length of time, to produce a sencori-neural hearing loss.


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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-111
Author(s):  
Rohmatullah Subekti ◽  
Muyassaroh Muyassaroh ◽  
Zulfikar Naftali

Latar belakang: Kebisingan di tempat kerja seringkali menjadi problem bagi tenaga kerja. Paparan bising dapat menyebabkan gangguan auditori yaitu noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) dan gangguan non auditori berupa gangguan kejiwaan seperti depresi, kecemasan serta stress. Tujuan: Untuk mengetahui hubungan antara kebisingan terhadap kejadian gangguan pendengaran dan kejiwaan pada pekerja terpapar bising. Metode: Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif analitik dengan design belah lintang. Tingkat kebisingan diukur dengan menggunakan alat sound level meter (SLM), gangguan pendengaran dinilai dari hasil audiometri, gangguan kejiwaan dinilai dari jawaban kuesioner Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 42 (DASS 42) dari WHO. Analisis data dengan uji chi square. Hasil : Data yang didapatkan dari 326 sampel menunjukkan bahwa 179 (54.9%) subjek mempunyai masa kerja lebih dari 10 tahun dan 147 (45.1%) subjek mempunyai masa kerja kurang dari 10 tahun. Sebanyak 51 (15.6%) pekerja mengalami NIHL dan 154 (47.2%) pekerja mengalami gangguan jiwa. Terdapat hubungan antara lama paparan bising (P= 0.000) dan intensitas kebisingan (P= 0.022) terhadap kejadian NIHL, dan intensitas kebisingan terhadap derajat keparahan depresi (P= 0.007) Kesimpulan: Lama paparan dan intensitas bising berhubungan dengan gangguan pendengaran sedangkan intensitas bising berhubungan dengan derajat keparahan depresi. Dibandingkan dengan intensitas bising, lama paparan bising mempunyai hubungan yang lebih besar terhadap kejadian NIHL. Kata kunci : Kebisingan, NIHL, depresi, ansietas, stres   Background: Noise can raise significant issues in the workplaces. It can affect either auditory disturbance called Noise Induce Hearing Loss (NIHL) or non-auditory disturbance involving psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress. Objective: To examine the relationship between noise in the workplace and the incidence of hearing impairment and psychiatric disorders. Method: The study design is analitic desciptive with cross-sectional approach. The noise level was measured with sound-level-metre (SLM), hearing disorders was assessed with audiometric and psychiatric disorder was assessed with Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 42 (DASS 42). The data were analized with chi square. Results : A total of 326 workers were sampled during this study showing that  179 (54.9%) workers have worked over 10 years and 179 (54.9%) workers have worked less than 10 years. It was found that 51 (15.6%) workers suffered from NHIL and 154 (47.2%) workers suffered from mental disorders. A significant relationship was found between the incidence of NIHL and years of noise exposure (P= 0.000) and noise intensity (P= 0.022). A significant relationship was found between noise intensity and depression severity (P= 0.007) Conclusion: The years of noise exposure and noise intensity were related to haring disorders. The noise intensity were related to the depression severity. In comparison with noise intensity, a stronger relationship was found between years of noise exposure and the incidence of NIHL. Keywords : Noise, NIHL, depression, anxiety, stress


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Razali A ◽  
Othman MS ◽  
Rahman MS ◽  
Misaridin NFI

INTRODUCTION: Recreational noise exposure has become a major threat to the hearing system, and this includes exposure to loud noise during group exercises such as Zumba Fitness, where loud music plays an important role. This study aimed to assess the noise exposure and hearing threshold profile among Zumba Fitness regulars in Kuantan, Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Noise exposure and hearing profile threshold were measured during Zumba Fitness sessions at a fitness studio in Kuantan, Malaysia from 24th June 2014 to 12th August 2014. Noise exposure was measured using a noise dosimeter for one hour of Zumba Fitness session with a total of nine sessions run by three different instructors while sound level pressure was taken using a sound level meter during ambient, peak session and during cooling down. Thirty participants answered questionnaires and underwent pure tone diagnostic audiometry test at a local clinic for hearing threshold documentation. RESULTS: Some areas of the hall posed higher risks of causing noise-induced hearing loss especially near the amplifiers. There were periods when the hearing level exceeded 115 dBA. Early abnormal pattern could be observed in the hearing profiles of some of the participants to suggest preliminary hearing problems. CONCLUSION: Zumba Fitness regulars have a risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss and preventive steps should be properly addressed as NIHL is permanent and irreversible.


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