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Hon CY, Tchernikov I, Fairclough C, Behar A. Case Study in a Working Environment Highlighting the Divergence between Noise Intensity and Workers' Perception towards Noise. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176122. [PMID: 32842460 PMCID: PMC7504514 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Excessive noise levels are a prevalent issue in food processing operations and, although there have been numerous studies on occupational noise, no single study has used a concurrent mixed-methods approach. Employing this study design allows for an understanding of the level of convergence (similarity) between measured noise levels and workers’ attitudes and perceptions towards noise. This, in turn, allows for the identification of potential challenges with respect to the implementation of hearing conservation efforts. In this study, spot noise measurements were collected using a sound level meter. One-on-one interviews were conducted with workers to determine attitudes and perceptions towards noise in their workplaces. Subsequently, the results of the noise measurements (quantitative data) were integrated with the survey responses (qualitative data) to identify convergence. The majority of the noise measurements were found to exceed 85 dBA—the criterion mandated by the local occupational health and safety legislation. Although all study participants felt that it was noisy in the workplace, a large proportion of respondents indicated that the noise was not bothersome. With workers’ perception being contradictory to the measured noise levels, it is a challenge to implement hearing conservation measures unless changes are made to raise the awareness of the risks associated with excessive noise exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yip Hon
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-979-5000 (ext. 553022)
| | - Illia Tchernikov
- Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, Mississauga, ON L4W 0A1, Canada,; (I.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Craig Fairclough
- Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, Mississauga, ON L4W 0A1, Canada,; (I.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Alberto Behar
- SMART Lab., Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada;
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Le Prell CG, Fulbright A, Spankovich C, Griffiths SK, Lobarinas E, Campbell KCM, Antonelli PJ, Green GE, Guire K, Miller JM. Dietary supplement comprised of β-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium: failure to prevent music-induced temporary threshold shift. AUDIOLOGY AND NEUROTOLOGY EXTRA 2016; 6:20-39. [PMID: 27990155 DOI: 10.1159/000446600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This study examined potential prevention of music-induced temporary threshold shift (TTS) in normal-hearing participants. A dietary supplement composed of β-carotene, vitamins C and E, and magnesium was assessed using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study design. Dosing began 3 days prior to the music exposure with the final dose consumed approximately 30-min pre-exposure. There were no group differences in post-exposure TTS or music-induced decreases in distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitude. Transient tinnitus was more likely to be reported by the treatment group, but there were no group differences in perceived loudness or bothersomeness. All subjects were monitored until auditory function returned to pre-exposure levels. Taken together, this supplement had no effect on noise-induced changes in hearing. Recommendations for future clinical trials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Le Prell
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Tex
| | - A Fulbright
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla
| | - C Spankovich
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss
| | - S K Griffiths
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla
| | - E Lobarinas
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Tex
| | - K C M Campbell
- Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Ill
| | - P J Antonelli
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla
| | - G E Green
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - K Guire
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - J M Miller
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
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