Occupational noise exposure and hearing loss: A study of knowledge, attitude and practice among Tanzanian iron and steel workers

Dynamic Schwarz Meta-Foams: Customizable Solutions for Environmental Noise Reduction

In an era marked by increasing environmental challenges affecting human well-being, traditional acoustic materials struggle to effectively handle the diverse and multi-frequency nature of harmful environmental noises. This has spurred a demand for innovative acoustic metamaterial solutions by utilizing sustainable design strategies. This research introduces tunable Schwarz metamaterial capable of transforming into a soft meta-foam to solve the complex problems of varying environmental noises. This study primarily focuses on adjusting single to multiple sound-blocking bandgaps mechanism using a multi-layered approach, incorporating the Schwarz P-type triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) and its elective soft foam counterpart, known as tunable Schwarz meta-foams (TSMF-x). The tunable design parameters of the unit cell, multi-layered TPMS, and soft programmable TSMF-lichen version are comprehensively explored including a fire-safety test. The results demonstrate these enhanced flame retardant meta-foam families have the potential to be used for mid-to-high-frequency environmental noises in industrial equipment and smart homes for sustainable architecture and environmental health applications.

The influencing factors of hearing protection device usage among noise-exposed workers in Guangdong Province: a structural equation modeling-based survey

BACKGROUND

There are numerous complex barriers and facilitators to continuously wearing hearing protection devices (HPDs) for noise-exposed workers. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between HPD wearing behavior and hearing protection knowledge and attitude, HPD wearing comfort, and work-related factors.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 524 noise-exposed workers in manufacturing enterprises in Guangdong Province, China. Data were collected on hearing protection knowledge and attitudes, HPD wearing comfort and behavior, and work-related factors through a questionnaire. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we tested the association among the study variables.

RESULTS

Among the total workers, 69.47% wore HPD continuously, and the attitudes of hearing protection (26.17 ± 2.958) and total HPD wearing comfort (60.13 ± 8.924) were satisfactory, while hearing protection knowledge (3.54 ± 1.552) was not enough. SEM revealed that hearing protection knowledge had direct effects on attitudes (β = 0.333, p < 0.01) and HPD wearing behavior (β = 0.239, p < 0.01), and the direct effect of total HPD wearing comfort on behavior was β = 0.157 (p < 0.01). The direct effect also existed between work shifts and behavior (β=-0.107, p < 0.05). Indirect relationships mainly existed between other work-related factors, hearing protection attitudes, and HPD wearing behavior through knowledge. Meanwhile, work operation had a direct and negative effect on attitudes (β=-0.146, p < 0.05), and it can also indirectly and positively affect attitudes through knowledge (β = 0.08, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The behavior of wearing HPD was influenced by hearing protection knowledge, comfort in wearing HPD, and work-related factors. The results showed that to improve the compliance of noise-exposed workers wearing HPD continuously when exposed to noise, the HPD wearing comfort and work-related factors must be taken into consideration. In addition, we evaluated HPD wearing comfort in physical and functional dimensions, and this study initially verified the availability of the questionnaire scale of HPD wearing comfort.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices towards occupational noise among maintenance and administration workers of selected health facilities in Modimolle-Mookgopong Municipality, South Africa

This study aimed to determine knowledge, attitude, and practices towards Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among maintenance and administration workers in selected health facilities in the Modimolle-Mookgopong Municipality. Non-probability convenient sampling was used to select 250 participants. Maintenance workers were populated within the age range of 26-35 years, being more than administrative personnel (COR 1.59, CI 0.8-3.16). Maintenance workers showed more knowledge of noise being an unwanted sound (COR 1.04, CI 0.29-3.73), an ear infection (COR 4.65, CI 1.48-14.58) and poor hearing of speech as a sign of hearing loss (AOR 0.25, CI 0.07-0.86). Thirty-four percent (34%) of maintenance workers believed that ear screening and assessments are important while 17.9% believed not to be important. Forty-eight percent (58%) of maintenance workers suggested that they could not use hearing protectors effectively without training while 13.7% suggested training is needed.

Understanding Hearing Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Determinants in a Metropolitan Area

Hearing health prevention has emerged as a significant public health concern worldwide. With nearly two and a half billion people experiencing some degree of hearing loss, and around seven hundred million requiring medical intervention, the impact on global health is substantial. The economic burden is equally substantial, with estimated health costs reaching 980 billion dollars in the United States alone. To shed light on this issue, we conducted a survey-based cross-sectional study involving 1150 individuals. Utilizing multiple linear regression across three models, we aimed to explore the association between demographic variables and knowledge, attitude, and behaviors related to hearing health. In Model I, we observed a correlation between knowledge and several factors, including age, smoking habits, marital status, and education. In Model II, attitudes were found to associate with non-smoking habits, education, and knowledge. Model III revealed a statistically significant correlation between behaviors and age, gender, parenthood, knowledge, and attitudes. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted public health programs aimed at improving behaviors among the general population. Such interventions can be both effective and relatively inexpensive. By addressing these determinants, we can enhance overall hearing health in the community. Our study contributes valuable information about the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to hearing health in the general population. Understanding these factors is crucial in developing evidence-based strategies to promote hearing health and prevent hearing loss effectively. As we continue to work towards better hearing health, the findings from this study can serve as a cornerstone for informed decision-making and successful intervention implementation.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Noise Exposure Questionnaire (NEQ) to Brazilian Portuguese

OBJECTIVE

To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Noise Exposure Questionnaire (NEQ) and 1-Minute Noise Screen (NEQ-S) instruments to Brazilian Portuguese.

METHODS

Procedures widely known in health research were used in the translation and cross-cultural adaptation process, comprising the following steps: initial translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, expert committee, pretest, and content and layout validation. Altogether, 60 workers participated in the pretest by answering the questionnaires and then evaluating them in terms of understandability, layout, clarity, and writing. Reliability was verified with Cohen's kappa test, and the internal consistency was analyzed with Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

RESULTS

The translated and adapted versions of NEQ and NEQ-S were similar in terms of general and referential meanings. However, some modifications and adaptations were made to adapt them to the Brazilian reality. The kappa test indicated moderate agreement and Cronbach's alpha coefficient, substantial internal consistency.

CONCLUSION

The translation and cross-cultural adaptation were carried out according to the methodology recommended in the national and international literature, performing the necessary equivalences to maintain the face and content validity with the original instrument. The availability of NEQ and NEQ-S in Brazilian Portuguese opens new fields of research to quantify yearly noise exposure more in-depth.

Reducing industrial noise by the use of damping alloys when manufacturing mining equipment parts

The existing experience of noise and vibration specialists has shown that the problem of noise reduction is very relevant, especially for the mining industry. Traditional methods of dealing with industrial noise are not effective enough. In solving this issue, it is advisable to reduce the noise level at the source of its occurrence through the use of metal alloys with enhanced dissipative properties. The article presents the results of experimental studies of developing steels with increased damping properties for manufacturing perforator parts: bit bodies and drill rods. In this article, the sound pressure level of alloys dependence on the type of heat treatment has been studied, and the optimal content of alloying elements has been established to ensure the development of the ferrite-pearlite structure. This structure is characterized by an increased dislocation density and is the reason for reducing the noise of the drill rod and the body of the perforator bit by 10-12 dB A. In addition, the article establishes the pattern of noise intensity at different frequency intervals for standard and developed alloys.

Development and initial validation of questionnaire on predictors for the use of hearing protection devices among noise exposed manufacturing workers in Tanzania: A methodological study

Introduction

The use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) has been an intervention of choice in many workplaces such as in the construction industry for quite some time due to impractical effects of engineering and administrative interventions. Questionnaires for assessment for HPDs use among construction workers have been developed and validated in developed countries. However, there is limited knowledge of the same, among manufacturing workers in developing countries that are assumed to have a different culture, work organizations and production processes.

Methods

We conducted a stepwise methodological study to develop a questionnaire to predict the use of HPDs among noise exposed workers in manufacturing factories in Tanzania. The questionnaire included 24 items and was developed through rigorous and systematic procedures involving three steps; (i) item formulation that involved two experts, (ii) expert content review and item rating that involving eight experts with vast experience in the field, and (iii) a field pre-test that involved 30 randomly selected workers from a factory with similar characteristics as a planned study site. A modified Pender's Health Promotion Model was adopted in the questionnaire development. We analyzed the questionnaire in terms of content validity and item reliability.

Results

The 24 items were categorized into seven domains i.e., perceived self-efficacy, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, interpersonal influences, situational influences and safety climate. The score for content validity for each item was satisfactory as the content validity index ranged between 0.75 to 1.00 for clarity, relevance, and essentiality criteria. Similarly, the scores for the content validity ratio (for all items) were 0.93, 0.88 and 0.93 for clarity, relevance, and essentiality, respectively. In addition, the overall value for Cronbach's alpha was 0.92 with domain coefficients: perceived self-efficacy 0.75; perceived susceptibility 0.74; perceived benefits 0.86; perceived barriers 0.82; interpersonal influences 0.79; situational influences; 0.70; and safety climate 0.79. The mean inter-item correlation was 0.49 suggesting good internal consistency.

Discussion and conclusion

The developed and preliminary validated questionnaire can be used to predict the HPDs use among noise exposed manufacturing factory workers. Future surveys using this questionnaires warranted for further validation of the scale developed.

A Systematic Literature Review of the Factors Influencing Hearing Protection Device Usage among Industrial Workers

This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to determine the factors influencing the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among industrial workers. This study was guided by the PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) review method, and four databases comprising Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar were employed. A total of 196 articles were identified, and 28 studies on the factors associated with HPD use among industrial workers from 2006 to 2021 met the inclusion criteria. Resultantly, five main themes emerged from this review: sociodemographic (29%), interpersonal influences (18%), situational influences (18%), cognitive-perceptual (29%), and health-promoting behavior (6%) associated with HPD use among industrial workers. A total of 17 sub-themes were identified, including age, gender, educational level, noise level, working experience, social models, interpersonal support, social norms, safety climate, training, organizational support, perceived barrier, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit, self-efficacy, and cues to action. The significant factors influencing workers to use HPDs are sociodemographic, interpersonal influences, situational influences, and health-promoting behavior. Future studies should focus on the cues to action toward human behavior influencing the use of HPDs, workers' health status, and comorbidities of hearing loss. Therefore, this systematic study gives valuable reference resources for up-and-coming researchers as well as new knowledge to expert professionals and academics in various industries.

Temporary Threshold Shifts among Iron and Steel Factory Workers in Tanzania: A Pre-Interventional Study

Background

Workers in iron and steel factories in Tanzania are exposed to noise levels above recommended limit values, without using hearing protection devices. Exposure to noise levels above 85 dB(A) is associated with temporary threshold shifts (TTS) of human hearing. Nevertheless, there are few studies of noise and hearing from African countries.

Objective

To determine whether the normal hearing workers in Tanzania experiences TTS after full-shift occupational noise exposure of 85 dB(A) and above.

Methods

A total of 55 workers were included. Full-shift personal noise measurements were conducted. Pre- and post-shifts pure-tone audiometry were conducted for each worker. TTS was defined as a 10 dB or greater change at 1000, 2000, 3000 or 4000 Hz in either ear.

Results

We found that 85.5% of the workers developed TTS across the work shift. There was significant increase in mean hearing thresholds across shift at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz among the workers exposed to an average personal noise exposure (LAeq,8h) of 90.4 dB(A) (SD = 2.7). The difference in mean hearing thresholds was higher at 4000 Hz [Arithmetic Mean (AM) = 10 dB SD = 4 dB] compared to that of 1000 Hz (AM = 4 dB SD = 3 dB), 2000 Hz (AM = 4 dB SD = 4 dB), and 3000 Hz (AM = 9 dB SD = 6 dB), respectively.

Conclusions

Interventions to reduce occupational personal noise exposure are warranted to reduce the high risk of developing a permanent threshold shift with persistent high noise exposure. An intervention study is planned for this group of workers.

Assessment of noise level and risk of hearing loss among taiko musicians

Introduction:

taiko music is performed with specific drums, which produce loud and low-tone sounds that can potentially lead to hearing risk.

Objectives:

To assess sound pressure levels and hearing safety of musicians who play in taiko groups.

Methods:

Using a decibel meter, noise exposure was measured in two different groups (group 1 and group 2), which are divided into categories: (group 1 = five categories - junior, free, general a, general b, and master, and group 2 = two categories - adult and child). The calculation of the daily noise dose was based on the Brazilian Occupational Hygiene Standard 01, which establishes the following classification: acceptable dose (between 0 and 50%), above the action level (50 to 80%), uncertain dose level (80 to 100%), and above the acceptable level (more than 100%).

Results:

In group 1 categories, the daily noise doses obtained were: junior = 88%; general B = 423%; master = 218%; general A = 370%, and free = 150%. In the adult and children categories of group 2, the results were 127 and 17%, respectively.

Conclusions:

taiko musicians are exposed to daily noise doses above the safe level, except for the junior categories in group 1, and the children, in group 2 - which showed daily noise doses at an uncertain dose level, and at an acceptable level, respectively.

Does occupational noise matter amongst manufacturing (small and medium enterprises) workers? Empirical evidence from Magaba, Mbare, Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND

The significance of how occupational noise can influence attitudes towards occupational noise exposure, susceptibility to hearing loss and job performance has generally been neglected in the past studies.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of occupational noise on attitudes towards occupational noise exposure, susceptibility to hearing loss and job performance of manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) workers in Zimbabwe.

METHOD

A survey was conducted involving 250 respondents, including manufacturing SME workers, and the hypotheses were analysed by applying structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

Occupational noise had a positive and significant effect on attitudes towards occupational noise exposure and perceived susceptibility to hearing loss amongst manufacturing SME workers. In addition, attitudes towards exposure to occupational noise and the perceived susceptibility of hearing loss have had a positive and significant impact on manufacturing SME workers' job performance.

CONCLUSION

The novelty of the research is its analysis of occupational noise as an indicator of attitudes towards occupational noise exposure and susceptibility to hearing loss as well as job performance. This study provides practitioners with beneficial implications. Collective knowledge on occupational noise could help manufacturing SME managers in recognising the perceptions of employees on occupational noise and how it ultimately affects job performance. Moreover, this study is intended to add new knowledge to the current body of African occupational noise literature - a context that has not received much research attention in developing countries.