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Orikpete OF, Dennis NM, Kikanme KN, Ewim DRE. Advancing noise management in aviation: Strategic approaches for preventing noise-induced hearing loss. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 363:121413. [PMID: 38850921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
As urbanization and population growth escalate, the challenge of noise pollution intensifies, particularly within the aviation industry. This review examines current insights into noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in aviation, highlighting the risks to pilots, cabin crew, aircraft maintenance engineers, and ground staff from continuous exposure to high-level noise. It evaluates existing noise management and hearing conservation strategies, identifying key obstacles and exploring new technological solutions. While progress in developing protective devices and noise control technologies is evident, gaps in their widespread implementation persist. The study underscores the need for an integrated strategy combining regulatory compliance, technological advances, and targeted educational efforts. It advocates for global collaboration and policy development to safeguard the auditory health of aviation workers and proposes a strategic framework to enhance hearing conservation practices within the unique challenges of the aviation sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ochuko Felix Orikpete
- Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (COHSE), University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Nicole M Dennis
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, USA
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Betes Heupa A, Simões PN, de Araújo CM, Taveira KVM, José MR, de Oliveira Gonçalves CG, Lüders D. Strategies of Hearing Preservation With Military Personnel: A Scoping Review. Am J Audiol 2024; 33:586-605. [PMID: 38386287 DOI: 10.1044/2024_aja-23-00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to map the strategies used in hearing health education with military personnel during the Hearing Preservation Program (HPP). METHOD This study is a scoping review, with electronic searches conducted in online databases and gray literature: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, ASHAWire, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses. Only studies describing, analyzing, or evaluating the application of the HPP to active duty or training military personnel were included. RESULTS A total of 3,478 references were retrieved, and 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The strategies were classified into five categories: focus group aimed at exploring knowledge and perceptions regarding hearing health (five studies), training on the proper fitting of hearing protection devices (four studies), the utilization of audiovisual materials (seven studies), questionnaires administrated before and after educational intervention (five studies), and feedback survey concerning the implemented hearing health education (three studies). CONCLUSION There are five strategies that aimed at assessing knowledge and attitudes, improving hearing health education, facilitating information access, and evaluating the applied actions. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25219589.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Betes Heupa
- Postgraduate Program in Human Communication Health, University Tuiuti of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Center for Advanced Studies in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (NARSM), Curitiba, Brazil
- Center of Studies Work, Health and Society, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Pierângela Nota Simões
- Postgraduate Program in Human Communication Health, University Tuiuti of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Center for Advanced Studies in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (NARSM), Curitiba, Brazil
- Department of Music and Music Therapy, State University of Paraná (UNESPAR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Miranda de Araújo
- Postgraduate Program in Human Communication Health, University Tuiuti of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Center for Advanced Studies in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (NARSM), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Karinna Veríssimo Meira Taveira
- Center for Advanced Studies in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (NARSM), Curitiba, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Maria Renata José
- Center for Advanced Studies in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (NARSM), Curitiba, Brazil
- Associated Postgraduate Program in Speech, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Faculty of Philosophy and Sciences, São Paulo State University, Marília, Brazil
| | | | - Débora Lüders
- Postgraduate Program in Human Communication Health, University Tuiuti of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Center for Advanced Studies in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (NARSM), Curitiba, Brazil
- Center of Studies Work, Health and Society, Curitiba, Brazil
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Couto Lopes AV, Teixeira CF, Vilela MB, de Lima ML. Time Trend of Occupational Noise-induced Hearing Loss in a Metallurgical Plant With a Hearing Conservation Program. Saf Health Work 2024; 15:181-186. [PMID: 39035796 PMCID: PMC11255947 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to analyze the trend of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) in Brazilian workers at a metallurgical plant with a hearing conservation program (HCP), which has been addressed in a previous study. Methods All 152 workers in this time series (20032018) participated in the HCP and used personal protective equipment. All annual audiometry records in the company's software were collected from the electronic database. The trend of ONIHL was analyzed with the joinpoint regression model. The hearing thresholds of ONIHL cases at the end of the series were compared with those found in a national reference study. Results The binaural mean hearing thresholds at 3, 4, and 6 kHz at the end of the series were higher for ages ≥50 years, exposures ≥85 dB (A), time since admission >20 years, and maintenance workers. Significance was found only in the group divided by age. There was an increasing time trend of ONIHL, though with a low percentage variation for the period (AAPC = 3.5%; p = 0.01). Hearing thresholds in this study differed from the reference one. Conclusion Despite the unmet expectation of a stationary trend in the study period, the time pace of ONIHL evolution did not follow what was expected for a population exposed to noise. These findings signal to the scientific community and public authorities that good ONIHL control is possible when HCP is well implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalva V. Couto Lopes
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Cleide F. Teixeira
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mirella B.R. Vilela
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Maria L.L.T. de Lima
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Bramati L, Allenstein Gondim LM, Schmidt L, Lüders D, Veríssimo Meira Taveira K, Néron N, Miranda de Araujo C, Bender Moreira de Lacerda A. Effectiveness of educational programs in hearing health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Audiol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38411141 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2313025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of hearing health education programs aimed at preventing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), of recreational and occupational origin, by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis. DESIGN The search strategy was carried out in on five electronic databases, as well as referrals from experts. The risk of bias was judged, and the random effects meta-analysis was performed. The certainty of the evidence was assessed. STUDY SAMPLE Effectiveness studies that used educational intervention in hearing health and prevention of NIHL were included. RESULTS 42 studies were included. The Dangerous Decibels program was the only one that could be quantitatively analysed and showed improvement in the post-intervention period of up to one week [SMD = 0.60; CI95% = 0.38-0.82; I2 = 92.5%) and after eight weeks [SMD = 0.45; CI95% = 0.26-0.63; I2 = 81.6%) compared to the baseline. The certainty of evidence was judged as very low. CONCLUSIONS The Dangerous Decibels program is effective after eight weeks of intervention. The other programs cannot be quantified. They still present uncertainty about their effectiveness. The level of certainty is still low for this assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Bramati
- Postgraduate Program in Communication Disorders, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná - UTP- UTP, Curitiba-Paraná, Brazil
| | - Lys Maria Allenstein Gondim
- Postgraduate Program in Communication Disorders, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná - UTP- UTP, Curitiba-Paraná, Brazil
| | - Lucas Schmidt
- Postgraduate Program in Communication Disorders, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná - UTP- UTP, Curitiba-Paraná, Brazil
| | - Débora Lüders
- Postgraduate Program in Communication Disorders, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná - UTP- UTP, Curitiba-Paraná, Brazil
| | - Karinna Veríssimo Meira Taveira
- Department of Morphology- Center of Biosciences, Associated Postgraduate Program in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Center for Advanced Studies in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - NARSM; NARSM, Curitiba-Paraná, Brazil
| | - Noémi Néron
- Postgraduate Program in Science of Speech-Language and Hearing, École d'Orthophonie et Audiologie, Université de Montreal - UdeM, Montreal, Canada
| | - Cristiano Miranda de Araujo
- Postgraduate Program in Communication Disorders, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná - UTP- UTP, Curitiba-Paraná, Brazil
- Center for Advanced Studies in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - NARSM; NARSM, Curitiba-Paraná, Brazil
| | - Adriana Bender Moreira de Lacerda
- Postgraduate Program in Communication Disorders, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná - UTP- UTP, Curitiba-Paraná, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Science of Speech-Language and Hearing, École d'Orthophonie et Audiologie, Université de Montreal - UdeM, Montreal, Canada
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Bhatt IS, Washnik NJ, Kingsbury S, Deshpande AK, Kingsbury H, Bhagavan SG, Michel K, Dias R, Torkamani A. Identifying Health-Related Conditions Associated with Tinnitus in Young Adults. Audiol Res 2023; 13:546-562. [PMID: 37489384 PMCID: PMC10366783 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the epidemic of tinnitus in college-aged young adults. Our first objective was to identify health conditions associated with tinnitus in young adults. The second objective was to evaluate the predictive utility of some known risk factors. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional design was used to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for tinnitus. SETTING A questionnaire was distributed, reaching out to a large college-aged population. A total of 2258 young adults aged 18-30 years were recruited from April 2021 to February 2022. INTERVENTIONS A questionnaire was administered to investigate the epidemiology of tinnitus in a population of college-aged young adults. RESULTS About 17.7% of young adults reported bothersome tinnitus perception lasting for ≥5 min in the last 12 months. The prevalence of chronic tinnitus (bothersome tinnitus for ≥1 year) and acute tinnitus (bothersome tinnitus for <1 year) was 10.6% and 7.1%, respectively. About 19% of the study sample reported at least one health condition. Individuals reporting head injury, hypertension, heart disease, scarlet fever, and malaria showed significantly higher odds of reporting chronic tinnitus. Meningitis and self-reported hearing loss showed significant associations with bothersome tinnitus. The prevalence of chronic tinnitus was significantly higher in males reporting high noise exposure, a positive history of reoccurring ear infections, European ethnic background, and a positive health history. Risk modeling showed that noise exposure was the most important risk factor for chronic tinnitus, followed by sex, reoccurring ear infections, and a history of any health condition. A positive history of COVID-19 and self-reported severity showed no association with tinnitus. Individuals reporting reoccurring ear infections showed a significantly higher prevalence of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS While young adults with health conditions are at a higher risk of reporting tinnitus, the predictive utility of a positive health history remains relatively low, possibly due to weak associations between health conditions and tinnitus. Noise, male sex, reoccurring ear infections, European ethnicity, and a positive health history revealed higher odds of reporting chronic tinnitus than their counterparts. These risk factors collectively explained about 16% variability in chronic tinnitus, which highlights the need for identifying other risk factors for chronic tinnitus in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishan Sunilkumar Bhatt
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nilesh J Washnik
- Department of Hearing Speech and Language Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Sarah Kingsbury
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Aniruddha K Deshpande
- Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Hailey Kingsbury
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Srividya Grama Bhagavan
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Klayre Michel
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Raquel Dias
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Ali Torkamani
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Science Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Lopes AVC, Teixeira CF, Vilela MBR, Lima MLLTD. Impact of a hearing conservation programs on occupational noise-induced hearing loss. REVISTA CEFAC 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-0216/20222456322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Pure Tone Audiometry Evaluation Method Effectiveness in Detecting Hearing Changes Due to Workplace Ototoxicant, Continuous Noise, and Impulse Noise Exposures. Ear Hear 2021; 43:1291-1299. [PMID: 34860718 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to compare the relative risks (RR) of hearing impairment due to co-exposure of continuous noise, impulse noise, metal ototoxicants, and organic solvent ototoxicants using several pure tone audiometry (PTA) evaluation methods. DESIGN Noise and ototoxicant exposure and PTA records were extracted from a DoD longitudinal repository and were analyzed for U.S. Air Force personnel (n = 2372) at a depot-level aircraft maintenance activity at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma using an historical cohort study design. Eight similar exposure groups based on combinations of ototoxicant and noise exposure were created: (1) Continuous noise (reference group); (2) Continuous noise + Impulse noise; (3) Metal exposure + Continuous noise; (4) Metal exposure + Continuous noise + Impulse noise; (5) Solvent exposure + Continuous noise; (6) Solvent exposure + Continuous noise + Impulse noise; (7) Metal exposure + Solvent exposure + Continuous noise; and (8) Metal exposure + Solvent exposure + Continuous noise + Impulse noise. RR of hearing impairment compared to the Continuous noise-exposed reference group was assessed with five PTA evaluation methods including (1) U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Significant Threshold Shift (STS), (2) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) age-adjusted STS, (3) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) STS, (4) NIOSH Material Hearing Impairment, and (5) All Frequency Threshold Average. RESULTS Hearing impairment was significantly worse for SEG (2) combined exposure to continuous noise and impulse noise only for the PTA evaluation method (2) OSHA Age Adjusted with an RR of 3.11, [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.16-8.31] and was nearly significantly different using PTA evaluation method (4) NIOSH Material Hearing Impairment with an RR of 3.16 (95% CI, 0.99-10.15). Despite no significant differences for SEGs with an ototoxicant exposure, PTA evaluation method (3) NIOSH STS was most sensitive in detecting hearing changes for SEG (8) Metal exposure + Solvent exposure + Continuous noise + Impulse noise as demonstrated by a RR of 1.12 (95% CI, 0.99-1.27). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that a single PTA evaluation technique may not be adequate in fully revealing hearing impairment risk due to all stressors and tailoring the PTA evaluation technique to the hazards present in the workplace could better detect hearing impairment. Additionally, results suggest that PTA may not be effective as the sole technique for evaluating hearing impairment due to ototoxicant exposure with continuous noise co-exposure.
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Cavallari JM, Suleiman AO, Garza JL, Namazi S, Dugan AG, Henning RA, Punnett L. Evaluation of the HearWell Pilot Program: A Participatory Total Worker Health® Approach to Hearing Conservation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189529. [PMID: 34574456 PMCID: PMC8472491 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to pilot test HearWell, an intervention created to preserve hearing among highway maintainers, by using a participatory Total Worker Health® (TWH) approach to designing, implementing and evaluating interventions. Regional maintenance garages were randomized to control (n = 6); HearWell (n = 4) or HearWell Design Team (n = 2) arms. Maintainer representatives from the HearWell Design Team garages identified barriers to hearing health and collaborated to design interventions including a safety leadership training for managers, a noise hazard management scheme to identify noise levels and indicate the hearing protection device (HPD) needed, and a comprehensive HearWell training video and protocol. These worker-designed interventions, after manager input, were delivered to the HearWell Design Team and the HearWell garages. Control garages received standard industry hearing conservation training. Periodic surveys of workers in all 12 garages collected information on the frequency of HPD use and a new hearing climate measure to evaluate changes in behaviors and attitudes over the study period and following interventions. An intention-to-treat approach was utilized; differences and trends in group HPD use and hearing climate were analyzed using a mixed-effects model to account for repeated measures from individual participants. The HearWell Design Team maintainers reported the highest frequency of HPD use. Hearing climate improved in each group 6 months following intervention implementation, with the largest increase and highest value for the HearWell Design Team workers. The HearWell pilot intervention showed promising results in improving HPD use through a participatory TWH approach to hearing conservation. Furthermore, results suggest that employee participation in hearing conservation programs may be necessary for maximal effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Cavallari
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA;
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (J.L.G.); (A.G.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Adekemi O. Suleiman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA;
| | - Jennifer L. Garza
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (J.L.G.); (A.G.D.)
| | - Sara Namazi
- Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA 01109, USA;
| | - Alicia G. Dugan
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (J.L.G.); (A.G.D.)
| | - Robert A. Henning
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA;
| | - Laura Punnett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA;
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Pimenta ADS, Silva VMD, Teixeira CF, Nascimento CMBD, Muniz LF, Lopes AVC, Gomes SM, Lima MLLTD. Analysis of the implementation of Hearing Conservation Programs. REVISTA CEFAC 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-0216/20212317620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Purpose: to assess the implementation of hearing conservation programs in two large companies. Methods: an evaluative research that analyzed a type 1b implementation. The study was conducted in three stages, namely: establishing the company’s degree of implementation, analyzing the companies’ policies and structures, and lastly, analyzing the influence of the companies’ policies and structures on their degree of implementation. The following analyses were conducted to collect data: interviews, document analysis, and observation. Results: the hearing conservation program in Company A was classified as implemented (91.1%), while in Company B, it was partially implemented (62.7%). The context in Company A was favorable to implementing the program, whereas in Company B, the context was considered unfavorable, due to disadvantageous categories. Also, the characteristics of the implementation context influenced the placement of the program either positively or negatively. Conclusion: there were satisfactory results regarding the implementation of the hearing conservation program in both companies assessed.
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Effectiveness of a Novel Index System in Preventing Early Hearing Loss among Furniture Industry Skills Training Students in Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218032. [PMID: 33142732 PMCID: PMC7663528 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the most reported occupational disease in Malaysia. ONIHL is aggravated by the presence of early hearing loss amongst the youth prior to entering a real working environment. At technical and vocational education training (TVET) institutions, students may develop early ONIHL because training workshops are designed imitating the industrial working environment to produce skilled workers. The exceeding noise level at workshops and recent risk of non-occupational noise can cause early ONIHL among these students. Therefore, ONIHL must be addressed at the early stage of producing skilled workers. Octa hearing conservation index (OHCI) system is developed as a management and monitoring tool for hearing conservation program (HCP) in TVET institutions. Six existing and two new HCP components were used to build the index system. A pilot test on the effectiveness of the OHCI system was conducted in a selected TVET institution for six months. The post-HCP shows a 52.6% improvement compared to the pre-HCP. The implementation of HCP has shown improved awareness on the hazards of loud noise exposure and active use of hearing protection devices among participants. The OHCI system has a great potential as a tool to improve HCP implementation in TVET institutions, and eventually, industry.
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Experience and Awareness of Health Managers, Administrators, and Workers on a Hearing Conservation Program in Korea: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17072302. [PMID: 32235395 PMCID: PMC7177902 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the experience and awareness of a hearing conservation program to explore its activation plan. Three focus group discussions were conducted with five health managers, five labor supervisors, and five workers. A single in-depth interview was conducted with a health manager. Since hearing loss has a significant influence on the quality of life of workers, all participants recognized the importance of management. Although the need for hearing conservation programs was acknowledged, the participants had negative views about their effectiveness. Most health managers have not been able to demonstrate tangible results from their efforts to solve hearing problems, and they have been unable to demand that their employers actively invest resources and personnel in solving or preventing hearing problems. The participants in this study did not entirely understand the hearing conservation program, negative comments suggested that it is impossible to eliminate noise sources from the workplace, and measures for noise reduction would reduce work efficiency. This study can be supplied not only as a basis for reidentifying the real problems of the hearing conservation program but also for the tailored implementation method of future hearing conservation programs at each worksite.
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Carlson K, Neitzel RL. Hearing loss, lead (Pb) exposure, and noise: a sound approach to ototoxicity exploration. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2018; 21:335-355. [PMID: 30663930 PMCID: PMC9903337 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2018.1562391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
To determine the state of the research on ototoxic properties of Pb, evaluate possible synergistic effects with concurrent noise exposure, and identify opportunities to improve future research, we performed a review of the peer-reviewed literature to identify studies examining auditory damage due to Pb over the past 50 years. Thirty-eight studies (14 animal and 24 human) were reviewed. Of these, 24 suggested potential ototoxicity due to Pb exposure, while 14 found no evidence of ototoxicity. More animal studies are needed, especially those investigating Pb exposure levels that are occupationally and environmentally relevant to humans. Further investigations into potential interactions of Pb in the auditory system with other hazards and compounds that elicit ototoxicity are also needed in animal models. To better assess the effects of Pb exposure on the human auditory system and the possibility of a synergism with noise, future epidemiological studies need to carefully consider and address four main areas of uncertainty: (1) hearing examination and quantification of hearing loss, (2) Pb exposure evaluation, (3) noise exposure evaluation, and (4) the personal characteristics of those exposed. Two potentially confounding factors, protective factors and mixtures of ototoxicants, also warrant further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystin Carlson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Corresponding Author -- Richard L. Neitzel: , University of Michigan, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 1415 Washington Heights 6611 SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 734-763-2870
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