Hearing loss in white South African goldminers.

Hearing thresholds of 2,667 white South African goldminers were determined in a cross-sectional survey. Median hearing thresholds at 1,000 Hz were comparable to those expected for men living in a developed society. For the frequencies 3,000-6,000 Hz, which are most affected by industrial noise, hearing thresholds were greater than expected and worsened with age relative to expected losses. The percentage of social impairment of hearing ranged from 0% in the youngest age group to 21.6% among those 58 years of age and over. Data from two surveys on the use of hearing protection indicate that it increased from 13.2% in 1979 to 17.2% in 1982. This level is probably still too low given the pervasiveness of noise in the goldmining industry. Some of the difficulties associated with a hearing conservation programme in the industry are discussed.