Hearing loss among operating engineers in American construction industry

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Audiology
• Industrial hygiene

Background:

• Occupational noise exposure is a known risk factor for hearing loss in the United States.
• Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among construction workers, particularly operating engineers (OEs), is not well-characterized.
• Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of hearing loss in OEs is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and characteristics of hearing loss among operating engineers (OEs).
• To assess the relationship between occupational noise exposure, hearing loss, and the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) in OEs.

Main Methods:

• Audiometric testing at frequencies 0.5-8 kHz was conducted on 623 OEs.
• Pre-hearing test questionnaires and otoscopic examinations were administered.
• Hearing loss was defined as hearing threshold levels (HTLs) in the worst ear with a low fence of 25 dB.

Main Results:

• Over 60% of OEs exhibited hearing loss in higher frequencies (4 and 6 kHz).
• Hearing loss was more prevalent in workers with longer construction industry tenure and in the left ear.
• Thirty-eight percent reported tinnitus, 62% had difficulty understanding speech in noise, and average HPD use was 48%; however, increased HPD use correlated with better hearing.

Conclusions:

• A significant prevalence of NIHL and low usage of HPDs were observed in operating engineers.
• Effective hearing conservation programs, including regular audiometric testing and HPD interventions, are recommended for this population.