Authors
Masterson-EA; Tak-SW; Themann-CL; Wall-DK; Groenewold-MR; Deddens-JA; Calvert-GM
Source
Am J Ind Med 2013 Jun 56(6):670-681
Abstract
Background Twenty-two million workers are exposed to hazardous noise in the United States. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss among U.S. industries. Methods We examined 2000-2008 audiograms for male and female workers ages 18-65, who had higher occupational noise exposures than the general population. Prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for hearing loss were estimated and compared across industries. Results In our sample, 18% of workers had hearing loss. When compared with the Couriers and Messengers industry sub-sector, workers employed in Mining (PR = 1.65, CI = 1.57-1.73), Wood Product Manufacturing (PR = 1.65, CL = 1.61- 1.70), Construction of Buildings (PR = 1.52, CI = 1.45-1.59), and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (PR = 1.59, CL = 1.51-1.68) had higher risks for hearing loss. Conclusions Workers in the Mining, Manufacturing, and Construction industries need better engineering controls for noise and stronger hearing conservation strategies. More hearing loss research is also needed within traditional ‘‘low-risk’’ industries like Real Estate.
Keywords
Hearing; Hearing-loss; Humans; Men; Women; Audiometers; Workers; Age-groups; Noise-exposure; Exposure-levels; Hazards; Noise; Noise-exposure; Risk-factors;
Author Keywords: occupational hearing loss; hearing impairment; hazardous noise; noise-induced hearing loss; occupational noise exposure standard
Contact
Elizabeth A. Masterson, PhD, CPH, COHC, NIOSH, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies,National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,4676 Columbia Parkway,MS-R17, Cincinnati,OH 45226
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
emasterson@cdc.gov
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS; DART
Source Name
American Journal of Industrial Medicine