Impact of daily noise exposure monitoring on occupational noise exposures in manufacturing workers

Abstract

Objective: Despite the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs), noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains one of the most prevalent occupational conditions. A new technology allows for daily monitoring of noise exposures under HPDs. We report on an intervention employing the voluntary use of this technology in a worksite setting. Design: Volunteers were fitted with a device allowing them to monitor noise exposure under their hearing protection on a daily basis. The trends in noise exposures for individuals who completed at least six months of the intervention were analysed. Study sample: Recruitment occurred at three manufacturing facilities, with 127 workers enrolling and 66 workers actively using the device during their work shifts. Results: Among volunteers downloading regularly, the percentage of daily exposures in excess of the OSHA action level (85 dBA) decreased from 14% to 8%, while the percentage of daily exposures in excess of 90 dBA decreased from 4% to less than 2%. Conclusion: Initial results from this longitudinal study indicate that volunteers find daily noise exposure monitoring to be feasible, and that workers who monitor daily are able to reduce exposures. The results of subject adherence shed light on the challenges and possibilities of worksite interventions for health and safety.

Key Words::

• Exposure monitoring
• noise
• intervention study

Acknowledgements

The authors express their appreciation to Russell Fisher, Hugh Palmer, Eric LaCourse, Elizabeth Honcharik, Scott Bosshart, and Kevin Michael for assistance with logistical aspects at the study sites. Portions of these data were presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the National Hearing Conservation Association in New Orleans, USA.

Declaration of interest: Several of the authors (DG, SK, MDS, MRC, and PMR) provide consulting services to Alcoa Inc as part of a service agreement. One of the authors (CDE) serves as the Alcoa corporate audiologist. This study was supported by CDC/NIOSH grant 1 R01 OH008641-01A2.