OiSaeng Hong1, Dal Lae Chin, Daniel G Samo. 1. Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing Graduate Program, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. oisaeng.hong@nursing.ucsf.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among career firefighters. METHODS: A Web-based survey and a standard audiometric test were performed with 425 firefighters from three states in the United States. RESULTS: More than 40% showed hearing loss in the noise-sensitive frequencies (4 and 6 kHz). The left ear showed significantly poorer hearing than the right ear. Firefighters having longer years of work in fire services demonstrated significantly worse hearing. Reported use of HPDs was 34% of the time that was needed. Firefighters who used HPDs less were significantly more likely to have hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a considerable NIHL problem and low use of HPDs in firefighters. More comprehensive hearing conservation programs should be implemented to reduce NIHL for firefighters.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among career firefighters. METHODS: A Web-based survey and a standard audiometric test were performed with 425 firefighters from three states in the United States. RESULTS: More than 40% showed hearing loss in the noise-sensitive frequencies (4 and 6 kHz). The left ear showed significantly poorer hearing than the right ear. Firefighters having longer years of work in fire services demonstrated significantly worse hearing. Reported use of HPDs was 34% of the time that was needed. Firefighters who used HPDs less were significantly more likely to have hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a considerable NIHL problem and low use of HPDs in firefighters. More comprehensive hearing conservation programs should be implemented to reduce NIHL for firefighters.
Authors: Katya Feder; David Michaud; James McNamee; Elizabeth Fitzpatrick; Hugh Davies; Tony Leroux Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2017-01 Impact factor: 2.162
Authors: James E Cone; Cheryl R Stein; David J Lee; Gregory A Flamme; Jennifer Brite Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-10-12 Impact factor: 3.390