Uncovering Effective Strategies for Hearing Loss Prevention

Abstract

Occupational health agencies, researchers and policy makers have recognized the need for evidence on the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce or prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. While many workplaces comply with legal or obligatory requirements and implement recommended interventions, few publications exist documenting the effectiveness of these actions. Additionally, some workplaces have discovered through their own processes, novel ways to reduce the risk of injury. Peer-reviewed information on the effectiveness of the many strategies and approaches currently in use could help correct weaknesses, or further encourage their adoption and expansion. The evaluation of intervention effectiveness would certainly contribute to improved worker health and safety. This need is particularly relevant regarding noise exposure in the workplace and hearing loss prevention interventions. In a 2006 review of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hearing Loss Research Program, the independent National Academies of Sciences recommended that NIOSH place greater emphasis on identifying the effectiveness of hearing loss prevention measures on the basis of outcomes that are as closely related as possible to reducing noise exposure and work related hearing loss (http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11721). NIOSH used two different approaches to address that recommendation: the first one was to conduct research, including broad systematic reviews on the effectiveness of interventions to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss. The second was to create an award program, the Safe-In-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award™, to identify and honor excellent real-world examples of noise control and other hearing loss prevention practices and innovations.

Analysis of the implementation of Hearing Conservation Programs

“…In many countries, companies must meet the requirements of governmental regulations to control noise exposure at the workplace and implement HCP 26 . However, despite these regulations, evidence shows that the HCP still needs to be continuously improved, and innovative strategies need to be developed, assessed, and disseminated 27 .…”

Noise Sources and Control, and Exposure Groups in Chemical Manufacturing Plants

“…A systemic review conducted by NIOSH in the US found no field studies evaluating the effectiveness of implemented engineering noise controls. There is thus a great need for publishing noise control measures which have effectively reduced worker noise doses [106]. In a systemic review assessing interventions to prevent occupational NIHL in industry, it was concluded that noise reduction at the source is not sufficiently implemented [107].…”

“…However, HPDs can only be effective where users are properly trained in their use and correctly selected based on the country's preferred rating method to avoid misinterpretations in selection outcomes [33]. Compared to other HCP elements, HPDs have been found to be the most implemented element [106].…”

Variability and Determinants of Occupational Noise Exposure Among Iron and Steel Factory Workers in Tanzania

“…This implies that employees run the risk of exposure to noise at work. Documenting occupational noise exposure and the tasks that give rise to the noise in iron and steel factories is necessary to enable policy and decision makers to implement measures to prevent hearing loss among workers ( International Labour Organization, 2005 ; Morata and Meinke, 2016 ) as well as other adverse effects due to noise exposure among employees ( Girard et al ., 2009 ). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to document occupational noise exposure levels and to identify potential determinants of noise exposure in iron and steel factories.…”