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Recommended criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of hearing conservation programs
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Analyzing North Carolina industrial hearing data reveals race and sex significantly impact results. Acceptable hearing conservation programs show initial improvements in hearing levels, especially at higher frequencies.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Audiology
- Industrial hygiene
Background:
- Industrial noise exposure can lead to hearing loss.
- Accurate assessment of hearing levels is crucial for worker protection.
- Variability in hearing test results necessitates careful analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze hearing level data from North Carolina industrial populations.
- To evaluate the impact of test-retest criteria and time on hearing levels.
- To identify factors influencing the effectiveness of hearing conservation programs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of hearing level data across different industrial populations.
- Inclusion of various test-retest criteria and examination of hearing changes over time.
- Statistical analysis to correlate hearing level shifts with specific criteria.
Main Results:
- Subdivision of populations by race and sex is necessary for accurate analysis.
- Acceptable programs exhibit a "learning curve" with improved mean hearing levels in the initial 4-6 years at 3, 4, and 6 kHz.
- A significant correlation exists between 4 kHz hearing level changes and a 15 dB test-retest shift criterion.
Conclusions:
- Race and sex are critical demographic factors in industrial hearing analysis.
- The "learning curve" effect indicates adaptation or improved testing in early program years.
- Established correlations highlight the importance of robust test-retest criteria for reliable hearing monitoring.