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Feder K, Marro L, Portnuff C. Leisure noise exposure and hearing outcomes among Canadians aged 6 to 79 years. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:1031-1047. [PMID: 36036440 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2114022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between individual and cumulative leisure noise exposure in addition to acceptable yearly exposure (AYE) and hearing outcomes among a nationally representative sample of Canadians. DESIGN Audiometry, distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and in-person questionnaires were used to evaluate hearing and leisure noise exposure across age, sex, and household income/education level. High-risk cumulative leisure noise exposure was defined as 85 dBA or greater for 40 h or more per week, with AYE calculations also based on this occupational limit. STUDY SAMPLE A randomised sample of 10,460 respondents, aged 6-79, completed questionnaires and hearing evaluations between 2012 and 2015. RESULTS Among 50-79 year olds, high-risk cumulative leisure noise was associated with increased odds of a notch while high exposure to farming/construction equipment noise was associated with hearing loss, notches and absent DPOAEs. No associations with hearing loss were found however, non-significant tendencies observed included higher mean hearing thresholds, notches and hearing loss odds. CONCLUSION Educational outreach and monitoring of hearing among young and middle-aged populations exposed to hazardous leisure noise would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Feder
- Non-Ionizing Radiation Health Sciences Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonora Marro
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cory Portnuff
- UCHealth Hearing and Balance Clinic, Aurora, CO, USA
- Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Dewangan KN, Patel T, Lalremruata. Noise exposure and hearing loss among tractor drivers in India. Work 2023; 74:167-181. [PMID: 36278371 DOI: 10.3233/wor-210258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tractors emit high intensity noise and prolonged exposure to high intensity noise causes hearing loss to the drivers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to measure noise intensity at the tractor drivers' ear level and hearing loss among tractor drivers. METHODS Noise intensity was measured on 6 models of tractors which were operated with 5 different tillage implements. In order to assess hearing loss, audiometric test was performed at 7 frequencies, i.e. 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz, among 30 tractor drivers and 30 control group subjects. All the selected tractor drivers and control group subjects were also interviewed to obtain personal information and noise exposure details. RESULTS The tractor drivers were exposed to noise intensity in the range of 91.7-97.5 dB(A). Audiogram analysis shows that the hearing threshold levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher among the tractor drivers as compared with the control group subjects. The effect was significantly (p < 0.05) more on the left ear as compared with the right ear among the tractor drivers. Increase in age has significant (p < 0.05) effect on the hearing threshold levels on the left ear. Prevalence of high frequency hearing loss was 50% among tractor drivers as compared with 10% among control group subjects. Hearing loss was significantly (p < 0.05) more in the low frequency as compared with the high frequency among the tractor drivers. CONCLUSION Indian tractor operators are exposed to high noise levels which may result in hearing loss. It is recommended that hearing conservation programs should be initiated to prevent noise hazards and hearing loss among the tractor drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Narayan Dewangan
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - Thaneswer Patel
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - Lalremruata
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh, India
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Alperstein S, Beach EF. Prioritizing the target audience for a hearing awareness campaign in Australia using the TARPARE model. Health Promot Int 2022:6567644. [PMID: 35415757 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss affects one in six Australians, and it is estimated that around one-third of all hearing loss is preventable. Over the past decade, there have been repeated calls for the development of a national campaign in Australia, aimed at raising the public's awareness of hearing health. We identified six target groups either at risk of developing hearing loss, vulnerable to poor outcomes as a result of untreated hearing loss, or lacking awareness of hearing health services, and applied the TARPARE model as a way of gathering insight into how a national hearing campaign might prioritize these different population segments. An online survey of prominent Australian academics, health practitioners and advocacy professionals with expertise in hearing health and/or public health promotion was created, through which their views on each of six potential target groups that had been identified as likely recipients of a potential hearing health campaign was sought. Young children and caregivers received the highest score based on survey responses and TARPARE criteria. A qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses from the survey respondents revealed three key themes to consider as part of a potential campaign: Accessibility and availability of hearing services, Deciding on a preventative or treatment-focused approach, and The difficulty of changing behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Alperstein
- National Acoustic Laboratories, Australian Hearing Hub, 16 University Ave, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Francis Beach
- National Acoustic Laboratories, Australian Hearing Hub, 16 University Ave, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
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Reel LA, Hicks CB, Arnold C. Noise Exposure and Use of Hearing Protection Among Adolescents in Rural Areas. Am J Audiol 2022; 31:32-44. [PMID: 34898248 DOI: 10.1044/2021_aja-20-00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has been found in rural children, potentially due to occupational and recreational noise exposure without consistent use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). However, questions remain regarding the specifics of rural adolescents' noise exposure and use of hearing protection around different types of noise. As such, the purpose of the current study was to provide preliminary results on rural adolescents' noise exposure and use of hearing protection for gunfire, heavy machinery, power tools, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and music. METHOD A questionnaire was administered to 197 students (seventh to 12th grade) from rural schools in West Texas. Questions were related to noise exposure and use of HPDs for specific categories of noise. Testing was performed at the schools, with an investigator recording each student's responses. RESULTS Approximately 18%-44% of adolescents reported exposure 12 or more times a year to gunfire, heavy machinery, power tools, and ATVs. Only 1%-18% of the adolescents reported never being exposed to such noise sources. Almost half of rural adolescents never used hearing protection around gunfire, and 77%-91% reported never wearing hearing protection when exposed to heavy machinery, power tools, and ATVs. CONCLUSIONS The current study revealed that rural adolescents are exposed to noise sources that could damage their hearing. However, the majority of rural adolescents do not consistently wear hearing protection. Additional research is now needed to extend these findings by assessing rural adolescents' duration of exposure to different noise sources, in addition to investigating prevention of NIHL in this population. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17139335.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Ann Reel
- Department of Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock
| | - Candace Bourland Hicks
- Department of Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock
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Couth S, Mazlan N, Moore DR, Munro KJ, Dawes P. Hearing Difficulties and Tinnitus in Construction, Agricultural, Music, and Finance Industries: Contributions of Demographic, Health, and Lifestyle Factors. Trends Hear 2020; 23:2331216519885571. [PMID: 31747526 PMCID: PMC6868580 DOI: 10.1177/2331216519885571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of occupational noise exposure increase the risk of hearing difficulties and tinnitus. However, differences in demographic, health, and lifestyle factors could also contribute to high levels of hearing difficulties and tinnitus in some industries. Data from a subsample (n = 22,936) of the U.K. Biobank were analyzed to determine to what extent differences in levels of hearing difficulties and tinnitus in high-risk industries (construction, agricultural, and music) compared with low-risk industries (finance) could be attributable to demographic, health, and lifestyle factors, rather than occupational noise exposure. Hearing difficulties were identified using a digits-in-noise speech recognition test. Tinnitus was identified based on self-report. Logistic regression analyses showed that occupational noise exposure partially accounted for higher levels of hearing difficulties in the agricultural industry compared with finance, and occupational noise exposure, older age, low socioeconomic status, and non-White ethnic background partially accounted for higher levels of hearing difficulties in the construction industry. However, the factors assessed in the model did not fully account for the increased likelihood of hearing difficulties in high-risk industries, suggesting that there are additional unknown factors which impact on hearing or that there was insufficient measurement of factors included in the model. The levels of tinnitus were greatest for music and construction industries compared with finance, and these differences were accounted for by occupational and music noise exposure, as well as older age. These findings emphasize the need to promote hearing conservation in occupational and music settings, with a particular focus on high-risk demographic subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Couth
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Naadia Mazlan
- Faculty of Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - David R Moore
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK.,Communication Sciences Research Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, OH, USA
| | - Kevin J Munro
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Piers Dawes
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
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Mead-Hunter R, Selvey LA, Rumchev KB, Netto KJ, Mullins BJ. Noise Exposure on Mixed Grain and Livestock Farms in Western Australia. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 63:305-315. [PMID: 30590427 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Noise presents an ongoing occupational health and safety issue, which despite numerous studies still presents a significant risk in agriculture with high exposures prevalent. In this study, we measured noise exposures associated with significant activities on 42 mixed grain and livestock farms in Western Australia. Employing a mixture of personal noise measurements using dosimeters, noise measurements using sound level meters, and a validated survey, we identified that 32% of farm workers were exposed to noise levels above the LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) limit, before considering extended shifts. We also noted that extended shift lengths, of up to 16 h in some cases, were possible. In addition, we found that 37% of workers were exposed to noise peak of 140 dB(C) or greater. It was further noted that hearing protection is not typically worn for the duration of an activity and is only for a small number of tasks. However we did find some evidence that farmers had begun to implement some form of noise management practice, usually in the form of buying quieter equipment or separating noisy tasks from quiet tasks. Improved education for farmer and farm workers in terms of the risks posed by noise, identifying noisy tasks, is recommended, as well as a programme to encourage better and consistent use of hearing protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Mead-Hunter
- Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Linda A Selvey
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Krassi B Rumchev
- Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kevin J Netto
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Mullins
- Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Up to 30 million workers in the United States are exposed to potentially detrimental levels of noise. Although reliable medications for minimizing or reversing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) are not currently available, NIHL is entirely preventable. The purpose of this article is to review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of occupational NIHL. We will focus on at-risk populations and discuss prevention programs. Current prevention programs focus on reducing inner ear damage by minimizing environmental noise production and through the use of personal hearing protective devices. RECENT FINDINGS NIHL is the result of a complex interaction between environmental factors and patient factors, both genetic and acquired. The effects of noise exposure are specific to an individual. Trials are currently underway evaluating the role of antioxidants in protection from, and even reversal of, NIHL. SUMMARY Occupational NIHL is the most prevalent occupational disease in the United States. Occupational noise exposures may contribute to temporary or permanent threshold shifts, although even temporary threshold shifts may predispose an individual to eventual permanent hearing loss. Noise prevention programs are paramount in reducing hearing loss as a result of occupational exposures.
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Williams W, Brumby S, Calvano A, Hatherell T, Mason H, Mercer-Grant C, Hogan A. Farmers' work-day noise exposure. Aust J Rural Health 2015; 23:67-73. [DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Warwick Williams
- National Acoustic Laboratories; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Susan Brumby
- School of Medicine; National Centre for Farmer Health; Deakin University; Hamilton Victoria Australia
- Western District Health Service; Hamilton Victoria Australia
| | - Adrian Calvano
- School of Medicine; National Centre for Farmer Health; Deakin University; Hamilton Victoria Australia
| | - Tracey Hatherell
- School of Medicine; National Centre for Farmer Health; Deakin University; Hamilton Victoria Australia
| | - Heidi Mason
- School of Medicine; National Centre for Farmer Health; Deakin University; Hamilton Victoria Australia
| | - Cate Mercer-Grant
- School of Medicine; National Centre for Farmer Health; Deakin University; Hamilton Victoria Australia
| | - Anthony Hogan
- Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis; University of Canberra; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
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Bilski B. Exposure to audible and infrasonic noise by modern agricultural tractors operators. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2013; 44:210-214. [PMID: 22877701 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2011] [Revised: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/04/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The wheeled agricultural tractor is one of the most prominent sources of noise in agriculture. This paper presents the assessment of the operator's exposure to audible and infrasonic noise in 32 selected modern wheeled agricultural tractors designed and produced by world-renowned companies in normal working conditions. The tractors have been in use for no longer than 4 years, with rated power of 51 kW to up to 228 kW (as per 97/68 EC). Audible and infrasonic noise level measurements and occupational exposure analysis to noise were performed according to ISO 9612:2009 (strategy 1 - task-based measurements). The measurements were made in different typical work conditions inside and outside of tractors cabs. The results indicated that exposure levels to noise perceived by the operators (L(ex,Te) between 62,3 and 84,7 dB-A) and can make a small risk of potential adversely effects on hearing during tasks performed inside the closed cab. It should be remarked that uncertainty interval is wider and in in some conditions can occur transgression of audible noise occupational exposure limits. The measured audible noise levels can potentially develop the non-auditory effects. Analysed tractors emit considerable infrasonic noise levels that tend to exceed the occupational exposure limits (both inside and outside the driver's cab). The levels of infrasound: 83,8-111,4 dB-G. All tractors introduced for sale should be subjected to tests in terms of infrasonic noise levels. The applicable standards for low frequency noise and its measurement methods for vehicles, including agricultural tractors, should be scientifically revised. In the last years there has been a noticeable technical progress in reduction of audible noise exposure at the tractors operators workplaces with simultaneously lack of important works for limitation of exposure to infrasound. Author discuss possible health and ergonomic consequencies of such exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Bilski
- University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Department of Preventive Medicine, ul. Smoluchowskiego 11, 60-179 Poznań, Poland.
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