Occupational Hearing Loss in Korea

Abstract

In this article, current status of noise exposure in workplaces, trend of workers with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and prevalence of NIHL in workers by industry and job category in Korea were reviewed. In addition, trends of research on the audiological effects such as hearing loss from noise and occupational hearing loss from non-noise in Korea were addressed through reports in industrial audiology. Though noise exposure level has improved, noise still shows the highest rate of cases exceeding exposure limit among workplace hazards. NIHL is the most common occupational disease except work-related disease such as musculoskeletal disorders and cerebrovascular diseases, and NIHL prevalence is thought to be much higher than reported in official publications. Noise affecting hearing comes from various sources such as workplaces, military settings, areas with exposure to high noise, and specific noise sources. There is also occupational hearing loss by non-noise including chemicals such as organic solvents and heavy metals, barotrauma, and trauma due to welding spark. Noise affects daily life through audiological effects such as hearing loss and tinnitus, non-audiological physical effects (e.g., cardiovascular), and psychosocial and behavioral effects. Development of systematic and comprehensive hearing conservation programs for lowering the noise level in workplaces and preventing the NIHL, and preparation of technological, administrative system for its settlement at workplace are urgently needed.

Associations between dietary quality, noise, and hearing: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2002

“…Worldwide, industries with high numbers of noise-exposed workers (and high rates of NIHL in workers) include agriculture, mining, construction, manufacturing, utilities, and transportation (Dasgupta et al, 2009; Kim, 2010; Kim et al, 2011; Vigeh et al, 2011; Chung et al, 2012; Kelly et al, 2012; Masilamani et al, 2012; Pingle, 2012; Singh et al, 2012; Belojevic, 2013; Cruz et al, 2013; Pawlaczyk-Luszczynska et al, 2013). Although NIHL secondary to occupational noise is a known issue, within this NHANES cohort, there was not a statistically significant relationship between reported occupational noise (here defined as working in noise loud enough to need to raise voice to hear for at least 3 months) and hearing status.…”

Prevalence of hearing loss in the United States by industry

“…Hearing loss is the third-most prevalent condition among older adults [Bogardus et al, 2003;Yueh et al, 2003], with over 11% of the population affected [Tak and Calvert, 2008]. Occupational hearing loss (OHL) can occur when workers are exposed to loud noise (i.e., noiseinduced hearing loss) [Bogardus et al, 2003;Rubak et al, 2006] or ototoxic chemicals such as organic solvents, asphyxiants, and heavy metals [Botelho et al, 2009;Johnson and Morata, 2010;Kim, 2010]. According to a study utilizing data from the National Health Interview Survey between 1997 and 2003, 24% of the cases of hearing difficulty in the United States are attributable to occupational exposures [Tak and Calvert, 2008].…”

Pilot task-based assessment of noise levels among firefighters

“…Additionally, some firefighting jobs may be considered hearing critical, and individual firefighters who develop NIHL may as a result no longer be considered mission capable (Tufts, Vasil et al 2009). There is also evidence that NIHL from noise may be worsened by co-exposures to certain ototoxic chemical agents and gases, such as solvents and carbon monoxide, which may be encountered during certain firefighting operations (Fechter, Cheng et al 2000; EASHW 2009; Johnson and Morata 2010; Kim 2010; Metwally, Aziz et al 2011). …”