Oxidative Stress Assessment of Noise Exposure in the Workers Using Hearing Protection in a Pressing Industry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Exposure to noise by generation of free radicals causes oxidative stress in body. The aim of this study was the evaluation of oxidative stress in workers who have used hearing protection devices during working time. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Pressing workers (n=24) of a home appliance industry were studied using hearing protection devices to reduce noise exposure. Twenty two office staff (without exposure to noise) were considered as a control group. Two groups were matched for age, work experience and smoking. Exposure to noise was measured by dosimeter method at workstations. By obtaining 3 ml blood sample, Malondialdehyde levels, Thiol groups and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated in all subjects. RESULTS: Exposure to sound pressure level in pressing workers by considering the noise reduction factor of the earplug was observed in 77.65 dB with minimum 75.1 dB and Maximum 81.22 dB. Plasma thiol groups (0.076 (0.041-0.119) vs (0.110 (0.076-0.197), mmol/l P =0.0001) and total antioxidant capacity (361.33± 54.65 vs 414.14± 96.82, µmol/ml P = 0.026) in pressing workers significantly decreased than control group. Pearson correlation showed significant results between exposure to noise and oxidative stress parameters. CONCLUSION: Exposure to noise wave cause oxidative stress in different site of body. Oxidative stress is an intermediate way for different disease due to noise exposure. Reducing of noise exposure by earplug in pressing workers is not efficient protection for oxidative stress generation. Therefore, hearing protection devices are not a barrier to the harmful effects of noise in occupational exposure.

Noise risk assessment practices of four South African manufacturing and utilities companies.

BACKGROUND:  The South African Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Regulations, mandates employers to conduct a noise risk assessment, which records specific variables for determining the status of exposure and the need for implementation of control measures. OBJECTIVES:  The study evaluated company noise risk assessment practices for alignment with legal requirements and specific risk assessment guidelines. METHOD:  Convenience sampling was used to select the four manufacturing and utilities companies that participated in the study. The participating companies submitted latest noise risk assessment records for evaluation through the READ approach. RESULTS:  The noise risk assessment records of three of the four companies omitted the recording of factors such as the reasonable deterioration in or failure of control measures, adequate control and formalisation of hearing conservation programmes (HCPs). When evaluated against the South African National Standard 31000 Risk Assessment guidelines, the risk assessment processes of the respective companies were lacking in addressing aspects related to establishing communication and consultation, evaluation, adapting, continually improving, leadership and commitment, and integration. CONCLUSION:  The recorded information on the noise risk assessment reports from the four participating companies were incomplete, negatively affecting subsequent HCP management processes and decision-making. Future studies should investigate other aspects such as the implementation status of recommended noise controls as well as their effectiveness as recorded in the noise risk assessment records.Contribution: This study provided firsthand insights of company noise risk assessment practices, specifically identifying functional and technical areas requiring improvement to enhance current efforts directed towards the minimisation of NIHL within HCPs. The study highlighted that the current practices on recording noise risk assessment information remain incomplete, adversely diminishing the impact of the assessment as an important decision-making tool. The identified technical issues specifically, when addressed, will increase trust on the decisions derived from noise risk assessments.

Modified Experimental Conditions for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Mice and Assessment of Hearing Function and Outer Hair Cell Damage.

An animal model of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is useful for pathologists, therapists, pharmacologists, and hearing researchers to thoroughly understand the mechanism of NIHL, and subsequently optimize the corresponding treatment strategies. This study aims to create an improved protocol for developing a mouse model of NIHL. Male C57BL/6J mice were used in this study. Unanesthetized mice were exposed to loud noises (1 and 6 kHz, presented simultaneously at 115-125 dB SPL-A) continuously for 6 h per day for 5 consecutive days. Auditory function was assessed 1 day and 1 week after noise exposure, using auditory brainstem response (ABR). After the ABR measurement, the mice were sacrificed, and their organs of Corti were collected for immunofluorescence staining. From the auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements, significant hearing loss was observed 1 day after noise exposure. After 1 week, the hearing thresholds of the experimental mice decreased to ~80 dB SPL, which was still a significantly higher level than the control mice (~40 dB SPL). From the results of immunofluorescence imaging, outer hair cells (OHCs) were shown to be damaged. In summary, we created a model of NIHL using male C57BL/6J mice. A new and simple device for generating and delivering pure-tone noise was developed and then employed. Quantitative measurements of hearing thresholds and morphological confirmation of OHC damage both demonstrated that the applied noise successfully induced an expected hearing loss.

Development of an audiological assessment and diagnostic model for high occupational noise exposure.

PURPOSE: To explore the diagnostic auditory indicators of high noise exposure and combine them into a diagnostic model of high noise exposure and possible development of hidden hearing loss (HHL). METHODS: We recruited 101 young adult subjects and divided them according to noise exposure history into high-risk and low-risk groups. All subjects completed demographic characteristic collection (including age, noise exposure, self-reported hearing status, and headset use) and related hearing examination. RESULTS: The 8 kHz (P = 0.039) and 10 kHz (P = 0.005) distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitudes (DPOAE) (DPs) in the high-risk group were lower than those in the low-risk group. The amplitudes of the summating potential (SP) (P = 0.017) and action potential (AP) (P = 0.012) of the electrocochleography (ECochG) in the high-risk group were smaller than those in the low-risk group. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave III amplitude in the high-risk group was higher than that in the low-risk group. When SNR = - 7.5 dB (P = 0.030) and - 5 dB (P = 0.000), the high-risk group had a lower speech discrimination score than that of the low-risk group. The 10 kHz DPOAE DP, ABR wave III amplitude and speech discrimination score under noise with SNR = - 5 dB were combined to construct a combination diagnostic indicator. The area under the ROC curve was 0.804 (95% CI 0.713-0.876), the sensitivity was 80.39%, and the specificity was 68.00%. CONCLUSIONS: We expect that high noise exposure can be detected early with this combined diagnostic indicator to prevent HHL or sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER/DATE OF REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2200057989, 2022/3/25.

[Risk assessment of noise-induced hearing loss among workers in railway transportation equipment manufacturing enterprises].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the noise exposure and hearing loss of workers in railway transportation equipment manufacturing enterprises, and to assess the risk of hearing loss caused by noise. METHODS: From 2018 to 2020, an investigation was carried out on 3 railway transportation equipment manufacturing enterprises in Hubei Province and Hunan Province. A total of 840 noise-exposed workers were selected, the individual noise exposure level(L_(Aeq·8 h)) and hearing loss level were measured, the cumulative noise exposure(CNE) was calculated, and the relationship between hearing loss and technological process, working time and CNE were analyzed. ISO1999:2013 was used to calculate the change of hearing threshold and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss after 40 years old. RESULTS: The median age of workers was 32 years old, and the median working age for noise exposure was 10 years. The distribution of positions is mainly welding, machining, assembly and painting.79.5%(120/151) of the individual noise exposure doses exceeded 85 dB(A), and the average L_(Aeq.8 h) was 89.9(A). There were significant differences in the proportion of hearing loss among workers in different process units(χ~2= 29.597, P<0.001), and the proportion of hearing loss in the preparation and steel structure units was higher. The proportion of hearing loss showed an upward trend with the increase of working years(χ~2=164.462, P<0.001), and the high-frequency combined speech-frequency hearing loss(26.7%) increased significantly after working for more than 20 years. With the increase of CNE, the proportion of high-frequency hearing loss and the proportion of high-frequency combined speech-frequency hearing loss increased accordingly(χ~2=192.544, P<0.001). The proportion of high frequency combined speech frequency hearing loss increased significantly in the group with CNE greater than 105 dB(A)·years. It is predicted that the risk of hearing loss caused by noise in assemblers appears earliest and the risk is the greatest. The risk of high noise-induced frequency hearing loss of assemblers was 3.6%-8.6% at the age of 40, 20.2% at the age of 50, 22.0% at the age of 60. The risk of high-frequency combined speech-frequency hearing loss of assemblers was 1.2%-6.2% at the age of 50 and 8.6% at the age of 60. CONCLUSION: The noise hazard is serious and widely distributed in railway transportation equipment manufacturing enterprises, and the proportion of hearing loss increases with the increase of working time and CNE. Although ISO1999:2013 predicts that there may be an underestimation of noise-induced hearing loss in workers, it can be used as an early warning of hearing loss to identify the potential risk of hearing loss in the population.

[Risk assessment of hearing loss of noise workers in three petrochemical enterprises].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of noise induced hearing loss among workers in petrochemical enterprises. METHODS: Number of workers exposed to noise were recruited from three petrochemical enterprises. The noise exposure level(L_(EX, W)) of the research objects was measured, their occupational history was investigated, and the audiometric testing was carried out. The ISO 1999:2013 model was used to calculate the change of hearing threshold level and the risk of hearing loss in each post, and compared the result of model with the result of the audiometric testing. RESULTS: The median of L_(EX, W) is range from 79.8 to 85.0 dB(A). L_(EX, W) among all posts were greater than 80 dB(A) except naphtha processing operators. The result of pure tone hearing threshold test showed that the prevalence of high-frequency hearing loss among workers exposed to noise was 12.8%. According to the classification of noise operation according to the maximum value of L_(EX, W), the operator for styrene dry gas combined unit is the only post that is extremely dangerous in the department of chemical, the other posts in the department of chemical and all posts in the department of public works are exposed to light and medium noise hazards, and 62.5% the external operators of the oil refining department are under heavy and extremely hazardous. According to the evaluation result of ISO 1999:2013, the risk of high-frequency hearing loss among workers in crude distillation unit, hydrogen production unit and the electricians of electrical system is high. The measured median of noise-induced pernament threshold shift(NIPTS) among male workers in different workstation was higher than the predicted median of NIPTS of ISO 1999, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01), and the predicted values for four-fifths of positions were more than 10 dB lower than the measured value. CONCLUSION: The risk of noise induced hearing loss of workers in petrochemical enterprises is high.

[Application of ISO 1999:2013 (E) model in risk assessment of hearing loss caused by industrial noise].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of hearing loss caused by industrial noise exposure of welders and assemblers in a mechanical equipment manufacturing enterprise, and to explore the practical application and possible underestimation of ISO 1999∶2013(E) model. METHODS: A total of 829 noise-exposed male workers from a mechanical equipment manufacturing enterprise were selected as study subjects. The questionnaire survey was administered, and individual noise exposure level(L_(Aeq.8 h)) and hearing loss level were measured. The risk assessment method of ISO 1999∶2013(E) was used to calculate the change of hearing threshold level and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. By comparing the median of permanent hearing threshold shift caused by actual noise with the median of ISO1999 predicted value, the reason of the difference between the predicted value of ISO 1999∶2013(E) model and the actual value was analyzed. RESULTS: The L_(Aeq.8 h )was 89.5 dB(A), 77.4%(n=62)of the individual noise exposure levels exceeded 85 dB(A), and 24.6% of the participants(n=829) had different degrees of hearing loss. There was significant difference in hearing loss rate between welding and assembly positions(χ~2=10.07, P<0.01). The risk of noise-induced high-frequency hearing loss of 90% welders was 11.2% at the age of 50, and 14.0% at the age of 60. The risk of noise-induced deafness of 90% welders was 4.3% at the age of 60. The risk of high noise-induced frequency hearing loss of 90% assemblers was at the range of 4.0%-9.0% at the age of 40, 20.8% at the age of 50, and 22.5% at the age of 60. The risk of noise-induced deafness of 90% assemblers was at the range of 1.4%-6.4% at the age of 50, and 9.0% at the age of 60. Compared with actual median of permanent hearing threshold shift, ISO1999∶2013(E) predictions underestimated the median of permanent hearing threshold shift at 10.7 dB. CONCLUSION: The noise hazards of welding and assembly positions in mechanical equipment manufacturing enterprises are high relatively. ISO1999∶2013(E) can be used to predict the risk of noise-induced hearing loss in workers, but attention should be paid to the risk underestimation of this model.

A Case Study about Joining Databases for the Assessment of Exposures to Noise and Ototoxic Substances in Occupational Settings.

Evaluating risks associated with multiple occupational exposures is no easy task, especially when chemical and physical nuisances are combined. In most countries, public institutions have created databases, which gather extensive information on occupational exposures or work-related diseases. Unfortunately, these tools rarely integrate medical and exposure information, and, above all, do not take into account the possible adverse effects of co-exposures. Therefore, an attempt to exploit and join different existing databases for the assessment of the health effects of multiple exposures is described herein. This case study examines three French databases describing exposures to noise and/or ototoxic chemicals (i.e., toxic to the ear) and the incidence rate of occupational deafness in different sectors. The goals were (1) to highlight occupational sectors where the workers are the most (co)exposed and (2) to determine whether this approach could confirm the experimental data showing that this co-exposure increases the risk of developing hearing loss. The results present data per occupational sector exposing workers to noise only, ototoxic chemicals only, noise and ototoxic chemicals, and neither of these two nuisances. The ten sectors in which the proportion of exposed workers is the highest are listed. This analysis shows that the rate of hearing loss in these sectors is high but does not show an increased incidence of hearing loss in co-exposed sectors.

Applying Kurtosis as an Indirect Metric of Noise Temporal Structure in the Assessment of Hearing Loss Associated With Occupational Complex Noise Exposure.

OBJECTIVE: The association of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) with noise energy was well documented, but the relationship between occupational noise and noise temporal structure is rarely reported. The objective of this study was to investigate the principal characteristics of the relationship between occupational NIHL and the temporal structure of noise. METHODS: Audiometric and shift-long noise exposure data were collected from 3102 Chinese manufacturing workers from six typical industries through a cross-sectional survey. In data analysis, A-weighted 8-h equivalent SPL (LAeq.8h), peak SPL, and cumulative noise exposure (CNE) were used as noise energy indicators, while kurtosis (ß) was used as the indicator of noise temporal structure. Two NIHL were defined: (1) high-frequency noise-induced hearing loss (HFNIHL) and (2) noise-induced permanent threshold shift at test frequencies of 3, 4, and 6 kHz (noise-induced permanent threshold shift [NIPTS346]). The noise characteristics of different types of work and the relationship between these characteristics and the prevalence of NIHL were analyzed. RESULTS: The noise waveform shape, with a specific noise kurtosis, was unique to each type of work. Approximately 27.92% of manufacturing workers suffered from HFNIHL, with a mean NIPTS346 of 24.16 ± 14.13 dB HL. The Spearman correlation analysis showed that the kurtosis value was significantly correlated with the difference of peak SPL minus its LAeq.8h across different types of work (p < 0.01). For a kurtosis-adjusted CNE, the linear regression equation between HFNIHL% and CNE for complex noise almost overlapped with Gaussian noise. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that LAeq.8h, kurtosis, and exposure duration were the key factors influencing HFNIHL% (p < 0.01). The notching extent in NIPTS at 4 kHz became deeper with the increase in LAeq.8h and kurtosis. HFNIHL% increased most rapidly during the first 10 years of exposure. HFNIHL% with ß ≥ 10 was significantly higher than that with ß < 10 (p < 0.05), and it increased with increasing kurtosis across different CNE or LAeq.8h levels. When LAeq.8h was 80 to 85 dB(A), the HFNIHL% at ß ≥ 100 was significantly higher than that at 10 ≤ ß < 100 or ß < 10 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the evaluation of hearing loss caused by complex noise, not only noise energy but also the temporal structure of noise must be considered. Kurtosis of noise is an indirect metric that is sensitive to the presence of impulsive components in complex noise exposure, and thus, it could be useful for quantifying the risk for NIHL. It is necessary to re-evaluate the safety of permissible exposure limit of 85 dB(A) as noise with a high kurtosis value can aggravate or accelerate early NIHL.

[An assessment of exposure to noise and temporary changes in hearing related to working as a fitness instructor]. / Ocena narazenia na halas i czasowych zmian sluchu zwiazanych z praca na stanowisku instruktora fitness.

BACKGROUND: Music is for many people an integral part of their lives. In recent years, loud music, whether recorded or played live, has been a significant source of noise. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between exposure to high sound levels and temporary threshold shift (TTS) in people working as fitness instructors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a total of 29 people (26 women and 3 men, age: 33±6 years) employed in 8 fitness clubs. The sound levels and the frequency characteristics of noise were assessed using individual dosimetry. Hearing threshold was evaluated by pre- and post-exposure pure tone audiometry (PTA), yielding a total of 116 audiograms. RESULTS: Occupational exposure of fitness instructors to noise lasted 60-120 min and the A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq,T) in their workplace ranged 76.3-96.0 dBA (M = 87.1 dB). In 12% of individual measurements, the maximum admissible intensity (MAI) value for noise at the workplace was exceeded (MAI = 85 dB). In 41% of the surveyed instructors, a TTS of ≥6 dB at 4 kHz was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Fitness instructors may be a risk of hearing impairment related to their work. Med Pr. 2021;72(4):391-7.

Method for protected noise exposure level assessment under an in-ear hearing protection device: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To properly measure the effective noise exposure level of workers with hearing protection devices (HPD), the use of in-ear noise dosimeters (IEND) is increasing. Commercial IENDs typically feature one in-ear microphone that captures all noises inside the ear and do not discriminate the residual noise in the earcanal from wearer-induced disturbances (WID) to calculate the in-ear sound pressure levels (SPL). A method to alleviate this particular issue with IENDs and calculate the hearing protection level on-site is therefore proposed. DESIGN: The sound captured by an outer-ear microphone is filtered with the modelled HPD transfer function to estimate the in-ear SPL, this way part of the WIDs mostly captured by the in-ear microphone can be rejected from the SPL. The level of protection provided by the earplugs can then be estimated from the difference between in-ear and outer-ear SPLs. The proposed method is validated by comparing the outcome of the proposed WID rejection method to a reference method. STUDY SAMPLE: The detailed methods are assessed on audio recordings from 16 industrial workers monitored for up to 4 days. RESULTS: The merits of the proposed WID rejection approach are discussed in terms of residual SPL and hearing protection level estimation accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, a method to integrate the proposed WID rejection algorithm in future IENDs is suggested.

[Risk assessment of occupational noise exposure in an automobile parts manufacturing enterprise].

Objective: To investigate the risk of occupational hearing loss caused by noise exposure in an automobile parts manufacturing enterprise. Methods: In June 2019, an automobile parts manufacturing enterprise in Huizhou City was selected to conduct occupational hygiene field investigation, and occupational health investigation and occupational hazards detection were carried out in the workplace. 395 workers with 8-hour working day equivalent sound level (L(ex·8 h)) ≥85 dB (a) were selected as the research objects. The occupational noise exposure risk assessment method was used to assess the noise exposure risk of L(ex·8 h)≥85 dB (a) , and the risk of high-frequency hearing loss and occupational noise deafness caused by noise exposure were evaluated when the working years were 10, 20, 30, 35 and 40. Results: When the exposure years were less than or equal to 30 years, the risk of high-frequency hearing loss of bearing pedestal final examiners was medium risk, and the risk of other positions was acceptable; the highest risk of noise deafness was the bearing pedestal final examiner, and the risk classification was higher, and the other types of work were negligible risk and acceptable risk. When the exposure years are more than 30 years, the risk classification of high-frequency hearing loss of bearing pedestal final inspection workers is high-risk, and the risk classification of other types of work is medium risk; the highest risk of noise deafness is the bearing pedestal final inspection workers, and the risk classification is higher risk, and the other types of work are medium risk. Conclusion: The enterprise should pay attention to the risk of occupational hearing loss caused by noise exposure, especially the bearing pedestal final inspection workers, and strengthen the hearing protection of noise exposed people.

A scoping review to identify strategies that work to prevent four important occupational diseases.

BACKGROUND: Despite being largely preventable, many occupational diseases continue to be highly prevalent and extremely costly. Effective strategies are required to reduce their human, economic, and social impacts. METHODS: To better understand which approaches are most likely to lead to progress in preventing noise-related hearing loss, occupational contact dermatitis, occupational cancers, and occupational asthma, we undertook a scoping review and consulted with a number of key informants. RESULTS: We examined a total of 404 articles and found that various types of interventions are reported to contribute to occupational disease prevention but each has its limitations and each is often insufficient on its own. Our principal findings included: legislation and regulations can be an effective means of primary prevention, but their impact depends on both the nature of the regulations and the degree of enforcement; measures across the hierarchy of controls can reduce the risk of some of these diseases and reduce exposures; monitoring, surveillance, and screening are effective prevention tools and for evaluating the impact of legislative/policy change; the effect of education and training is context-dependent and influenced by the manner of delivery; and, multifaceted interventions are often more effective than ones consisting of a single activity. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review identifies occupational disease prevention strategies worthy of further exploration by decisionmakers and stakeholders and of future systematic evaluation by researchers. It also identified important gaps, including a lack of studies of precarious workers and the need for more studies that rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

Assessment of occupational noise-related hearing impairment among dental health personnel.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine hearing thresholds among dental personnel. The secondary aim was to evaluate sound levels among dental equipment that dental personnel are exposed to. METHODS: Two hundred forty-four dentists, dental technicians, dental assistants, and dental students participated. Sixty-two participated as a control group. Audiological thresholds for the test groups were compared to the control group. All participants were from Jordan University Hospital. Participants completed a questionnaire in addition to their audiometric testing. Otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure tone audiometry were included in their assessment. Three-factor ANOVA and t tests were utilized to assess the statistical differences of hearing thresholds among the groups and between the two ears. Pearson correlation test was used to assess the effect of age, experience, and duration of exposure on the degree of hearing loss in the test groups for both ears. RESULTS: The authors reported statistically significant differences among hearing thresholds between the control group and others. Left hearing thresholds were noted to be significantly poorer in the left versus right ear at 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz in dental assistants. The authors also reported a significant relationship between the degree of hearing impairment among dental assistants and the daily duration of exposure to dental occupational noise, followed by age. CONCLUSION: Hearing impairment was higher among dental professionals than the control group and especially among dental assistants and technicians. The authors recommended screening guidelines and adapting hearing protection methods for dental professionals and particularly for dental assistants and technicians.

Risk assessment of recordable occupational hearing loss in the mining industry.

Objective: To evaluate the hearing loss risk in different sectors and subunits in the mining industry and to identify associated occupations, in an attempt to locate gaps between hearing conservation efforts and hearing loss risks.Design: Descriptive statistics and frequency tables were generated by commodity types, subunit operations, and/or occupations. Temporal trends of the incidences of hearing loss were reported by commodity types.Study Sample: The MSHA Accident/Injury/Illness and MSHA Address/Employment databases from 2000 to 2014 were used.Results: Incidence rate of OHL was reported highest in the coal sector compared to other commodity types. Those members of the workforce that entered the mining industry after the year 2000 accounted for 6.5% and 19.0% of the total hearing loss records for coal and non-coal, respectively. High-risk occupations found in all three commodity sectors (coal; stone, sand, and gravel; and metal/non-metal) were electrician/helper/wireman, mechanic/repairman/helper, bulldozer/tractor operator, and truck driver.Conclusion: Hearing loss risks were not uniform across mining sectors, subunit operations, and occupations. In addition to the continuous efforts of implementing engineering controls to reduce machinery sound level exposure for operators, a multi-level approach may benefit those occupations with a more dynamic exposure profile - e.g., labour/utilityman/bullgang, electrician/helper/wireman, and mechanic/repairman/helper.

Awareness, attitudes, and beliefs about music-induced hearing loss: Towards the development of a health communication strategy to promote safe listening.

OBJECTIVE: Worldwide, 1.1 billion young people are at risk of developing hearing loss due to unsafe listening. The World Health Organization plans a global health campaign to promote behavior change. In an effort to develop effective evidence-based interventions, this study identifies modifiable factors that influence listening habits. METHODS: Online survey among 1019 individuals aged 18-35. The questionnaire was based on theories of behavior change. RESULTS: Individuals not contemplating change showed a lack of knowledge, tended not to feel particularly at risk, and did not see the benefits of preventive measures. Conversely, those considering a change perceived more barriers (e.g., lack of information on how to act,). Self-efficacy was shown to play an ambivalent role. CONCLUSION: Four factors that can be influenced by a health communication intervention were identified: risk perception, perceived safe listening level due to a lack of symptoms, knowledge, and perceived benefits and barriers, in particular perceived loss of pleasure. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The first aspects can be influenced through health communication interventions. Influencing the perceived loss of pleasure additionally requires an analysis of competing pressures. To support and not exceedingly burden the individual, we further suggest to address environmental aspects (e.g., policies).

[Assessment of temporary hearing changes related to work as a bartender]. / Ocena czasowych zmian sluchu zwiazanych z praca na stanowisku barmana.

BACKGROUND: Noise in entertainment industry often reaches high sound pressure levels. Nevertheless, the risk of hearing loss in this sector is insufficiently recognized. The aim of this study was the assessment of the relationship between noise exposure and temporary threshold shifts (TTS) for people working as bartenders at a variety of entertainment venues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised a total of 18 bartenders (mean age was 25±7 years old) employed at a music club (N = 8), pub (N = 5) and discotheque (N = 5). Personal dosimeters were used for determining noise levels and frequency characteristics. Hearing was evaluated by pre- (before work) and post-exposure (up to 15 min after the end of work) pure tone audiometry. Hearing tests were carried out for bartenders during 2 or 3 sessions while working on weekends. RESULTS: The mean personal noise exposure level normalized to a nominal 8-hour working day was 95 dBA, above 4 times higher than the accepted legal limit. The TTS values (10 dB HL or more) were significant at 4 kHz for both ears for 77% of bartenders. CONCLUSIONS: People working as bartenders represent a professional group with an increased risk of hearing loss. Raising awareness of this fact and implementing hearing protection programs in this group of workers is urgently needed, in line with the European Commission Directive (EU Directive 2003/10/EC). Med Pr. 2019;70(1):17-25.

Distortion product oto-acoustic emission: a superior tool for hearing assessment than pure tone audiometry.

OBJECTIVE: Hearing plays a crucial role in the performance of a soldier and is important for communication and speech processing. Service personnel are constantly exposed to high levels of noise and hence predisposed to occupational health disabilities, principally noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus. NIHL is a significantly common impairment in the military and can affect the warfare performances. Parochial awareness about the effects of uproarious noise which exacerbates their hearing, acceptance rate of use of hearing protection devices and follow-up audiological tests have become the major drawback for prevention of NIHL and are less pondered upon. METHOD: The present study focuses on the effects of noise on the hearing of service crew operating and maintaining military equipment and explores the efficacy of DPOAE's to substitute pure tone audiometry as a quick, easy to operate and implementable test technique for monitoring of hearing status. RESULTS: The results suggest that DPOAE test is important and more coherent than audiometry alone for the early detection of cochlear injury due to noise from military operations and efficacious for detecting NIHL.