scholarly journals Occupational Hearing Loss

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joong-Keun Kwon ◽  
Jiho Lee
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Hearing Damage ◽  
Occupational Hearing Loss

Occupational hearing loss received attention after the Industrial Revolution and through World Wars I and II. It currently accounts for the largest portion of occupational diseases, and a third of all hearing loss is due to noise. Occupational hearing losses include noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), hearing loss caused by ototoxic substances and hearing loss caused by their complex interactions. In the case of NIHL, even when exposed to the same noise, the degree of hearing damage and recovery may vary from person to person, and also be affected by other noise in daily life. Various organic solvents and some heavy metals exposed in workplace are important causes of ototoxic hearing loss, and they are known to have additive or synergistic effects when accompanied by noise. In Korea, NIHL is the most common occupational disease and has been increasing continuously since the 1990s. The number of claims for compensation has also been increasing steadily. However, the developed country including Korea almost never considered the effects of chemicals on the diagnosis and compensation for hearing loss workers. Occupational hearing loss can be prevented through hearing conservation programs. In this chapter, we will introduce the scientific basis of noise induced hearing loss, the impacts of ototoxic substance and co-existence impact on hearing loss.

scholarly journals Prevention of the Evolution of Workers' Hearing Loss from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Noisy Environments through a Hearing Conservation Program

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 043-047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinicius Fonseca ◽  
Jair Marques ◽  
Flavio Panegalli ◽  
Claudia Gonçalves ◽  
Wesley Souza
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Noisy Environments ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Conservation Program ◽  
Hearing Damage

Introduction Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a serious problem for workers and therefore for businesses. The hearing conservation program (HCP) is a set of coordinated measures to prevent the development or evolution of occupational hearing loss, which involves a continuous and dynamic process of implementation of hearing conservation routines through anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and subsequent control of the occurrence of existing environmental risks or of those that may exist in the workplace and lead to workers' hearing damage. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the HCP in preventing further hearing loss in workers with audiograms suggestive of NIHL. The audiometric tests and medical records of 28 furniture company workers exposed to noise were reviewed and monitored for 2 years. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study examined five audiometric tests in the medical records (on admission and every semester) of 28 workers in a furniture company (totaling 140 audiometric exams) following the introduction of the HCP. Results Data analysis showed no differences between the audiometric tests conducted on admission and those performed every semester. Conclusions The HCP implemented was effective in preventing the worsening of hearing loss in workers already with NIHL when exposed to occupational noise. Therefore, such a measure could be useful for the employment of workers with hearing loss in job sectors that have 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.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL) among industrial workers in Bhutan.

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31
Author(s):  
Pelden Wangchuk ◽  
Phuntsho Dendup
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Industrial Workers ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
Strict Enforcement ◽  
Hearing Assessment

Introduction: Exposure to any type of noise has a potential risk. Higher the level of noise and longer duration of exposure, the more the risk for the hearing sensitivity and health as a whole. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss (ONIHL) among the industrial workers in Bhutan and to ascertain high risk establishment and vulnerable occupations. Methods: The hearing assessment was conducted among 1638 workers considering different types of industries and occupations to ascertain the prevalence of occupational noise induced hearing loss and vulnerable group amongdifferent industries and occupations. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were performed to test the significance of ONIHL among the various independent variables. Results: The study found that the prevalence of ONIHL stands at 27.9% among industrial workers in Bhutan. 42.45% of candidates who had ONIHL reported with tinnitus in either or both ears. This study founda significant association between the exposure duration and the severity of ONIHL among the industrial workers. Considering the type of industry, wood based industry, hydro services, cement and polymer were found to have a higher prevalence of ONIHL and similarly, higher prevalence of ONIHL were found among occupations such as blaster, chipper, carpenters, dryer (knife grinder) and crusher operators. Conclusions: This study conduces that prevalence of ONIHL among industrial workers is found to be at the higher side and some of the occupations and industries impose higher risk. The study suggests that there is need for intervention such as strict enforcement of the permissible exposure limit, monitor and evaluate hearing conservation programs, and providing advice and recommendation to address such issues by the relevant agencies and industries

Hearing Conservation Training of Industrial Technology Teachers

1991 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 134-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce L. Plakke
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Industrial Technology ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Technology Teachers ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Effectiveness Of Training ◽  
Teachers Attitudes

Studies have shown the hazards of noise-induced hearing loss for industrial technology teachers and students. A teachers guide and materials were developed and workshops conducted for audiologists and industrial technology teachers 5 years ago in Iowa. Teachers’ attitudes and awareness of the hazards of noise were determined by a survey. The results show a need to increase the effectiveness of training and knowledge of industrial technology teachers regarding hearing conservation.

An Audiological Survey of Aircrew

1988 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-50
Author(s):  
D. G. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Potential Saving ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Conservation Measures ◽  
Medical Examinations

AbstractA cross sectional survey of Royal Naval aircrew was performed to measure the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and assess its relationship to flying experience. The quality of routine audiometry undertaken at annual aircrew medical examinations was assessed and the requirement for further hearing conservation measures amongst Fleet Air Arm personnel considered.Analysis of the results indicated that 3.8% of aircrew had possible noise induced hearing loss, in 1.6% this was probably due to flying and none of these cases had less than 2,000 hours flying experience.Further surveys should concentrate on experienced aviators and on aircraft maintainers and handlers.As noise-induced hearing loss does not appear to be affecting aircrew with less than 10 years flying experience there is a potential saving in time and expense by ceasing to do routine audiometry on this group.

scholarly journals Hearing Conservation Program for Marching Band Members: A Risk for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su-Hyun Jin ◽  
Peggy B. Nelson ◽  
Robert S. Schlauch ◽  
Edward Carney
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Marching Band ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Partial Control ◽  
Single Measure ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Conservation Program ◽  
Hearing Thresholds

Purpose To examine the risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in university marching band members and to provide an overview of a hearing conservation program for a marching band. Method Sound levels during band rehearsals were recorded and audiometric hearing thresholds and transient otoacoustic emission were measured over a 3-year period. Musician's earplugs and information about hearing loss were provided to the students. The hearing thresholds of other college students were tested as a partial control. Results There were no significant differences in hearing thresholds between the two groups. During initial testing, more marching band members showed apparent high-frequency notches than control students. Follow-up hearing tests in a subsequent year for the marching band members showed that almost all notches disappeared. Persistent standard threshold shift (STS) across tests was not observed in the band members. Conclusion Band members showed no evidence of STS or persistent notched audiograms. Because accepted procedures for measuring hearing showed a lack of precision in reliably detecting early NIHL in marching band members, it is recommended that signs of NIHL be sought in repeated measurements compared to baseline audiograms rather than in a single measure (a single notch). A hearing conservation program for this population is still recommended because of lengthy rehearsal times with high sound-level exposure during rehearsals.

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