Hearing Protection Devices Use and Its Relationship with Hearing Loss among Steel Industry Workers of Samut Prakan Province, Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-358
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Steel Industry ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Threshold Level ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protection Devices

Objective: To investigate hearing protection devices (HPDs) use and its relationship with hearing loss among steel industry workers in Thailand. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study included 93 eligible participants who are working in the designated high-noise-level zones, which is 85 or more A-weighted decibels [dB(A)] for eight hours time-weighted average, of the two factories. Self-report forms were used to obtain HPDs use by industry workers and noise exposure level was measured with Spark® (Model 706) noise dosimeter. Audiometric screening for hearing loss was performed at a regional hospital by the qualified technician. The hearing loss in each ear was defined if the average threshold level was found to have exceeded 25 dB(A) at high frequencies of 4 and 6 kHz. Results: The findings showed that 45.2% of workers used earplug, 16.1% used earmuff, and 38.7% used both, and most workers (55.8%) wear HDPs regularly, for six of seven days per week. Fifty seven percent of workers wear HDPs for more than 60% time of an 8-hour work shift. Most workers (75.2%) have hearing loss. Conclusion: The authors’ result revealed that almost half of workers used hearing protection devices and most workers use HPDs during the 8-hour work time. Abnormal hearing ability were found among workers. The education program such as the hazards of noise on potential auditory loss, a noise education training program and full use of HPDs are encouraged to prevent effect of noise on workers. Keywords: Hearing protection devices, Noise induced hearing loss, Steel industry

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.

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.

Assessment of Impulse Noise Hazard and the Use of Hearing Protection Devices in Workplaces Where Forging Hammers are Used

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafał Młyński ◽  
Emil Kozłowski ◽  
Jan Adamczyk
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Impulse Noise ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Noise Parameters ◽  
Protection Devices

Abstract The impulse noise is agent harmful to health not only in the case of shots from firearms and the explosions of explosive materials. This kind of noise is also present in many workplaces in the industry. The paper presents the results of noise parameters measurements in workplaces where four different die forging hammers were used. The measured values of the C-weighted peak sound pressure level, the A-weighted maximum sound pressure level and A-weighted noise exposure level normalized to an 8 h working day (daily noise exposure level) exceeded the exposure limit values. For example, the highest measured value of the C-weighted peak sound pressure level was 148.9 dB. In this study possibility of the protection of hearing with the use of earplugs or earmuffs was assessed. The measurement method for the measurements of noise parameters under hearing protection devices using an acoustical test fixture instead of testing with the participation of subjects was used. The results of these measurements allows for assessment which of two tested earplugs and two tested earmuffs sufficiently protect hearing of workers in workplaces where forging hammers are used.

scholarly journals EFEK BISING MESIN ELEKTRONIKA TERHADAP GANGGUAN FUNGSI PENDENGARAN PADA PEKERJA DI KECAMATAN SARIO KOTA MANADO, SULAWESI UTARA

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hardini Tjan ◽  
Fransiska Lintong ◽  
Wenny Supit
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Sensorineural Deafness ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Intensity Level ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract: Noise induced hearing loss is caused by noise loud in the long period and a noisy work environment. Noisy work environment is a major problem in occupational health in various countries. The relationship between excessive noise exposure and hearing loss has been recognised since ancient times. Early epidemiological studies of noise induced hearing loss explored the damage risk relationship between occupational noise exposure level and the degree of hearing loss. The purpose of this study is to determine effect of engine noise electronics to auditory disfunction. The research methodeology used is an analytical method with a cross sectional approach. Samples were of 20 person taken from workers at the playground timezone and amazone. Data were obtained through questionnaires and examination of hearing function with the audiometri. Data were analyzed by using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions program (SPSS) and using the Fisher Exact test. Conclusion: The results showed that : There is a 75% hearing loss in all worker. The results of bivariate analysis showed there is no significant association between the hearing loss with the intensity level of noise (p = 0,032). The most common hearing loss is sensorineural deafness which generally occours in both ear. From the result of this study it can be concluded that the workers who work in a place that has the high intensity noise have greater risk of suffening from hearing loss. Keywords: Timezone and Amazone Workers, Noisy, Hearing.     Abstrak: Gangguan pendengaran akibat bising ialah gangguan pendengaran yang disebabkan akibat terpajan oleh bising yang cukup keras dalam jangka waktu yang cukup lama dan biasanya disebabkan oleh bising di lingkungan kerja. Bising lingkungan kerja merupakan masalah utama pada kesehatan kerja di berbagai negara. Hubungan antara paparan bising yang berlebihan dan kehilangan pendengaran telah dikenal sejak zaman kuno. Awal studi epidemiologi, gangguan pendengaran yang disebabkan oleh bising mengeksplorasi adanya hubungan atau faktor resiko antara pekerjaan, paparan tingkat kebisingan dan derajat gangguan pendengaran. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui efek bising mesin elektronika terhadap gangguan fungsi pendengaran. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu metode analitik dengan menggunakan rancangan cross sectional study. Sampel berjumlah 20 orang yang diambil dari pekerja di tempat bermain timezone dan amazone. Data diperoleh melalui kuisioner dan pemeriksaan fungsi pendengaran dengan menggunakan Audiometri. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan Statistical Program Product and Service Solution (SPSS) dan menggunakan uji Fisher Exact. Simpulan: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa : Terdapat gangguan pendengaran sebesar 75 % pada seluruh pekerja. Hasil analisis bivariat menunjukan ada hubungan yang bermakna antara gangguan pendengaran dengan tingkat intensitas bising (p =  0,032).  Gangguan pendengaran yang paling banyak diderita oleh pekerja adalah tuli sensorineural (persepsi) yang umumnya terjadi pada kedua telinga. Dari hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa pekerja yang bekerja pada intensitas bising yang tinggi memiliki resiko lebih besar menderita gangguan pendengaran. Kata Kunci: Pekerja Timezone & Amazone, Bising, Pendengaran

scholarly journals Epidemiology of the extent of recreational noise exposure and hearing protection use: cross-sectional survey in a nationally representative UK adult population sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Armitage ◽  
Michael T. Loughran ◽  
Kevin J. Munro
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Gains ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Hearing loss is prevalent and disabling, yet little is known about the extent of recreational noise exposure and hearing protection use. The aim of the present research was to estimate the extent of recreational noise exposure and hearing protection use in a sample representative of the UK adult population. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 10,401 UK adults who were representative of the population. Results More than 7000 people (n = 7590, 73.0%) reported exposure to recreational noise excluding headphone and earphone use in the last 12 months. Just 158 people (2.1%) reported wearing hearing protection for every noisy recreational activity. Age (younger people) and beliefs of a behavioral (as opposed to genetic) cause of hearing loss were predictive of both higher recreational noise exposure and greater hearing protection use. Men were more exposed to recreational noise but women were less likely to use hearing protection. Conclusions For the first time, the present research quantifies the recreational noise exposure and low levels of hearing protection use in a representative sample of the UK population. The biggest public health gains are likely to be achieved through interventions targeted at younger people and in explaining behavioral (as opposed to genetic) causes of hearing loss.

scholarly journals Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss among Brewery Workers in Lagos, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2880
Author(s):  
Nino L. Wouters ◽  
Charlotte I. Kaanen ◽  
Petronella J. den Ouden ◽  
Herbert Schilthuis ◽  
Stefan Böhringer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Private Life ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sales Employees

The health risks of exposure to loud noises are a well-established fact and are widely addressed in modern industries. Yet, in less developed countries, it is thought these hazards receive less attention, both in the workplace and in private life. (1) Background: The aim of this study is to assess the occupational noise exposure in a developing country and identify possible risk groups for whom intervention is needed. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among brewery employees in Lagos, Nigeria. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was performed, paired with a self-report questionnaire. Personal noise dosimetry (PND) was also performed with an additional group of participants. (3) Results: A total of 458 employees were submitted to PTA. The Packaging and Utilities department reported the largest shifts in hearing thresholds (18 dB [sd = 15] and 16 dB [sd = 15] @4kHz, respectively). No significant effect of department type on auditory health could be found. PND results were obtained from 39 employees. Packaging and Sales were identified as the most exposed departments. (4) Conclusions: A healthy hearing profile was found for a large proportion of the brewery employees (91.7%). However, NIHL (noise-induced hearing loss) proportions specifically among Bottling and Sales employees were elevated.

scholarly journals Screening for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among Palm Oil Mill Workers in Peninsular Malaysia: A Comparison across Noise Exposure Levels

Standards ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-42
Author(s):  
Sirri Ammar ◽  
Aziah Daud ◽  
Ahmad Filza Ismail ◽  
Ailin Razali
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Palm Oil ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
Palm Oil Mill

Background: Palm oil mill workers in Malaysia are exposed to hazardous levels of noise in the workplace, and thus are at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In 2019, Malaysia introduced a new noise regulation, which reduced the level of permissible noise exposure. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of NIHL among palm oil mill workers based on screening data and assess the effects of different noise exposure levels on NIHL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing data from noise risk assessment reports of selected mills and screening audiometric data from workers. NIHL was defined as bilateral high-frequency hearing loss. Results: The overall NIHL prevalence was 50.8%. Noise exposure level and age were significant predictors of NIHL among the workers. The risk of developing NIHL was high even for workers who were not categorized in the high-risk group. Conclusions: In view of the findings, a precautionary approach is needed when evaluating the risk of NIHL in the study population. Vulnerable groups of workers must be protected from occupational noise hazards through the implementation of effective hearing conservation programs in the workplace.

scholarly journals Audiometric profile of civilian pilots according to noise exposure

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 790-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taiana Pacheco Falcão ◽  
Ronir Raggio Luiz ◽  
Gabriel Eduardo Schütz ◽  
Márcia Gomide da Silva Mello ◽  
Volney de Magalhães Câmara
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Acoustic Stimulus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Length Of Service ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Air Conduction

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the audiometric profile of civilian pilots according to the noise exposure level. METHODS This observational cross-sectional study evaluated 3,130 male civilian pilots aged between 17 and 59 years. These pilots were subjected to audiometric examinations for obtaining or revalidating the functional capacity certificate in 2011. The degree of hearing loss was classified as normal, suspected noise-induced hearing loss, and no suspected hearing loss with other associated complications. Pure-tone air-conduction audiometry was performed using supra-aural headphones and acoustic stimulus of the pure-tone type, containing tone thresholds of frequencies between 250 Hz and 6,000 Hz. The independent variables were professional categories, length of service, hours of flight, and right or left ear. The dependent variable was pilots with suspected noise-induced hearing loss. The noise exposure level was considered low/medium or high, and the latter involved periods > 5,000 flight hours and > 10 years of flight service. RESULTS A total of 29.3% pilots had suspected noise-induced hearing loss, which was bilateral in 12.8% and predominant in the left ear (23.7%). The number of pilots with suspected hearing loss increased as the noise exposure level increased. CONCLUSIONS Hearing loss in civilian pilots may be associated with noise exposure during the period of service and hours of flight.

scholarly journals Effect of Using Hearing Protection and Earphone on Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus in Workshop’s Workers

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Putri Berliana Syah
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Health Effect ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Workplace Noise

Noise exposure can leads to health effect such as Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and tinnitus. Besides workplace, noise can be obtained from using earphones. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of using hearing protection and earphone on NIHL and tinnitus in workers at PT DPS machine workshop. This was a cross sectional with observational analytic study design. This study was conducted in 37 workers at PT DPS machine workshop exposed to noise by using simple random sampling. Results showed that noise level in workplace was 88,57 dBA (8 hours TWA) which exceed TLV 85 dBA. Prevalence of NIHL and tinnitus in workplace was respectively 21.6% and 54%. NIHL affected by using hearing protection and earphone (MLR, p < 0.01; p < 0.05 respectively) and tinnitus affected by using earphone (MLR, p < 0.01) after controlled by working period. It can be concluded that prevalence of NIHL and tinitus are relatively high, NIHL affected by using hearing protection and earphone while tinnitus affected by using earphone. It is recommended for workers to use hearing protection in noise workplace and to reduce using earphone while PT DPS must provide hearing protection and do briefi ng to increase workers’ awareness about using hearing protection.

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