Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #120262

Emmanuel Afam Iyiegbuniwe, PhD, Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, STH 226, Bowling Green, KY 42101, (270) 745-5088, emmanuel.iyiegbuniwe@wku.edu

Occupational hearing loss due to excessive workplace noise exposure is very prevalent. The World Health Organization estimates that occupational exposure is responsible for 16% of hearing loss, worldwide. The National Institute of Health estimates that one third of all hearing losses is attributable to occupational exposure. Additionally, between 5 and 30 million American workers are exposed to noise levels in excess of 85 decibels (dBA) with manufacturing and utility industries accounting for about 50% of all occupational exposures. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has an 8-hour noise exposure standard with a permissible exposure limit of 90 dBA and an action level of 85 dBA. Susceptibility to hearing loss increases with age with demographic differences in prevalence rates. Studies have documented significant association between excessive noise and loss of balance, extra-auditory effects, and myocardial infarction. Noise-induced hearing loss is defined as a shift from baseline hearing thresholds. A standard threshold shift (permanent and irreversible) occurs with an average shift from baseline of 10 dB or more across frequencies of 2000 to 4000 hertz. There has been a progressive paradigm shift from “hearing conservation” to “hearing loss prevention.” The main task of occupational health is the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of workplace hazards. The cornerstone of public health approach to prevention and control of occupational hearing loss is the ability to anticipate noise hazards and employers to protect workers health by implementing proactive measures for hearing loss prevention. Results from two recent occupational noise exposure studies are also presented.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the presentation, the audience will learn more about
• Occupational noise exposure,
• Prevalence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss , and
• Control methods for occupational noise exposure

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.