| Document ID (ISN) | 108315 |
| CIS number |
08-822 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0029-7909 - Occupational Hazards |
| Year |
2008 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Torres K. |
| Title |
Can you hear me now? Impacts of hearing loss |
| Bibliographic information |
Feb. 2008, Vol.70, No.2, p.53-56. Illus. |
| Abstract |
It is estimated that the number of workers who suffer from noise-induced hearing loss in the United States is in the tens of millions. While noise exposure is a pervasive problem in the workplace, it is entirely preventable. Twenty years ago, OSHA introduced detailed noise exposure regulations (29 CFR 1919.95) and since then, many employers and safety professionals have diligently monitored noise levels at work sites, posted warning signs, supplied earplugs and routinely tested employees' hearing. Yet noise-induced hearing loss continues to occur at an alarming rate. This article discusses possible reasons for this situation and proposes improved protective measures. Contents: effects of hearing loss (tinnitus, psychological impact, communication problems in safety-critical situations); activities involving high exposure to noise (mining, agriculture, construction, manufacturing); protective measures (engineering controls, job rotation, hearing protection); reasons behind low levels of compliance in the use of hearing protection; information dissemination; training; motivation. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
occupational hygiene; responsibilities of employers; plant safety and health organization; hearing loss; noise |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
hearing protection; disobeying safety instructions; manufacturing industries; safety consciousness; information dissemination; public OSH institutions; USA; human factors; psychology and sociology; motivation; tinnitus; limitation of exposure; construction industry; transfer to other work; agriculture; mining industry; safety and health training; speech communication |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | USA |
| Subject(s) |
Noise, hearing and vibration
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Physical hazards
Occupational medicine, epidemiology
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Noise
Diseases of the ear and hearing damage
|
