Risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: A Survey of Texas Shop Teachers

Agricultural mechanics (i.e., "shop") teachers may be at risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to exposure to loud tools and equipment in their classes. To address gaps in previous research, the purpose of this study was to survey Texas shop teachers about their risk of NIHL.

A nonexperimental survey design was utilized. The online survey was distributed to agriculture teachers in Texas. To participate, respondents had to teach one or more junior high/high school shop classes where loud tools/equipment were used. Questions focused on noise exposure, use of hearing protection, symptoms of hearing loss, and training on hearing conservation. Results from 219 teachers were included in the analyses.

Over half the teachers taught three to five courses involving loud tools/equipment each semester. Over two thirds of the teachers reported being exposed to loud noise between 3 and 6 hr a day. For 22/27 tools included in the survey, over 70% of teachers reported exposure. When exposed, between 52% and 93% rarely/never wore hearing protection, depending on the type of tool being used. Over half the teachers reported experiencing different types of hearing problems. In addition, over half of the teachers reported not receiving information on NIHL in college, with only approximately one third receiving such information after college.

The current results suggest that many shop teachers may be at risk for NIHL. Future research should include audiometric evaluations and measurement of noise levels in shop classes, in addition to focusing on areas of need (e.g., training and prevention programs).

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.32653461.