Details:

Alternative Title:
Int J Audiol
Publisher's site:
http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/14992027.2012.743047
Personal Author:
McTague, Michael F. ; Galusha, Deron ; Dixon-Ernst, Christine ; Kirsche, Sharon R. ; Slade, Martin D. ; ... More +
McTague, Michael F. ; Galusha, Deron ; Dixon-Ernst, Christine ; Kirsche, Sharon R. ; Slade, Martin D. ; Cullen, Mark R. ; Rabinowitz, Peter M. Less -
Description:
Objective

Despite the use of hearing protective devices (HPDs), noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains one of the most prevalent occupational conditions. A new technology allows for daily monitoring of noise exposures under HPDs. We report on an intervention employing the voluntary use of this technology in a worksite setting.

Design

Volunteers were fitted with a device allowing them to monitor noise exposure under their hearing protection on a daily basis. The trends in noise exposures for individuals who completed at least six months of the intervention were analyzed.

Study Sample

Recruitment occurred at three manufacturing facilities, with 127 workers enrolling and 66 workers actively using the device during their work shifts.

Results

Among volunteers downloading regularly, the percentage of daily exposures in excess of the OSHA action level (85dBA) decreased from 14% to 8%, while the percentage of daily exposures in excess of 90dBA decreased from 4% to less than 2%.

Conclusion

Initial results from this longitudinal study indicate that volunteers find daily noise exposure monitoring to be feasible, and that workers who monitor daily are able to reduce exposures. The results of subject adherence shed light on the challenges and possibilities of worksite interventions for health and safety.


Subject:
[+]
Adult
Article
Ear Protective Devices
Environmental Monitoring
Female
Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced
Humans
Industry
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Noise, Occupational
Occupational Diseases
Occupational Exposure
Questionnaires

Source:
Int J Audiol. 52(0 1):S3-S8.
Document Type:
Journal Article
Funding:
1 R01 OH008641-01A2/OH/NIOSH CDC HHS/United States ; R01 AG026291/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States
1 R01 OH008641-01A2/OH/NIOSH CDC HHS/United States ; R01 AG026291/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States Less -
Name as Subject:
United States. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Place as Subject:
United States
Collection(s):
CDC Public Access
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:0145b7ff55c37e44c5e438eb1725053f270e5918ee1ed3cd8a7ac1c65315e3e4
File Type:

Supporting Files

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