Interventions to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss

Abstract

There is low quality evidence that implementation of stricter legislation can reduce noise levels in workplaces. Even though case studies show that substantial reductions in noise levels in the workplace can be achieved, there are no controlled studies of the effectiveness of such measures. The effectiveness of hearing protection devices depends on training and their proper use. There is very low quality evidence that the better use of hearing protection devices as part of HLPPs reduces the risk of hearing loss, whereas for other programme components of HLPPs we did not find such an effect. Better implementation and reinforcement of HLPPs is needed. Better evaluations of technical interventions and long-term effects are needed.

Uncovering Effective Strategies for Hearing Loss Prevention

“…Cochrane systematic reviews try to help with the decision-making process by synthesizing the results of multiple studies. Cochrane systematic reviews seek answers to the most basic question: “does this intervention work?” In recent years a couple of Cochrane reviews examined 1) interventions to promote the use of hearing protectors [17] and 2) other interventions to control noise and promote hearing loss prevention [8]. …”

“…A Cochrane Review with a broader scope also examined the effectiveness of various interventions to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss [8]. It evaluated a set of interventions or specific components of hearing loss prevention programs.…”

“…Regrettably, the review found no field studies that evaluated the effect of engineering controls for decreasing noise levels, except for one study that indirectly measured the effect of legislation on the decrease of noise levels in the US mining industry [8]. Evidence of long-term evaluation studies of the individual components of a Hearing Loss Prevention Program (HLPP) showed that the use of hearing protection devices in well-implemented HLPP was associated with less hearing loss.…”

“…Publications are needed reporting the reduction in personal noise doses received by workers following noise control efforts. Better implementation and reinforcement of the law could be effective in better implementing technical measures for reducing noise levels [8]. …”

“…Following the hierarchy normally leads to the implementation of inherently safer systems, ones where the risk of illness or injury has been substantially reduced. However, regarding noise, published reports on interventions to control the hazard at the source refer primarily to experimental conditions tested in laboratory settings with no mention of field evaluations involving the effect of these conditions on workers’ noise exposure [8-11]. …”