Diseases of the ear and hearing damage - 547 entries found

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1983

CIS 84-370 Atherley G., Johnston N.
Audiometry - the ultimate test of success?
An examination of occupational audiometry from a scientific and a social point of view. The study of its scientific validity includes: efficacy of hearing conservation programmes; employer motivation; reassurance of employees; application of the WHO criteria on audiometry to its evaluation as a screening test; methodological standards; reliability and repeatability of audiometry. Under social validity of audiometry are included: human rights; labelling; research; criteria for success. The principal conclusion is that legislating occupational audiometry is a social matter involving science, not the other way around.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 1983, Vol.27, No.4, p.427-447. 38 ref.

CIS 84-367 Iki M., Kurumatani N., Moriyama T.
Vibration-induced white fingers and hearing loss
A matched-pair case-control study was done to eliminate the confounding effects of age and duration of noise exposure, in 543 forestry workers using chain saws, bush cleaners, or winches. Results of audiographic (hearing threshold) measurements showed that an association between vibration white fingers (VWF) and hearing loss in forestry workers persists when the effect of age and exposure duration are eliminated. Men with VWF seem more vulnerable to noise than men without VWF. The cause of this additional vulnerability is unknown.
Lancet, 30 July 1983, Vol2, No.8344, p.282-283. 3 ref.

CIS 84-74 Mathews J., Calabrese N.
Guidelines for the control of noise at work
This study includes: health effects of noise (temporary and permanent hearing loss, noise-induced stress and psychological problems, noise as a safety hazard, cardiovascular effects); measurement of noise in the workplace; measurement of hearing loss (audiometry); relation between exposure to noise and hearing loss. Daily noise dose limits are given for Australian states (90dBA Leq in most cases) as well as levels of maximum permissible exposure to the unprotected ear (115dBA in 5 states), and compared with exposure limits in some other countries. Statistics on the estimated incidence of hearing impairment in exposed workers are given. Control measures discussed are: noise surveys; new or modified plant and equipment; shields and barriers; sound absorbers; insulating enclosures; soundproof booths; personal protection equipment (ear plugs, muffs); job rotation and rescheduling. The inadequacy of hearing conservation programmes is discussed. There is a list of proposed union policies.
Health and Safety Bulletin, Sep. 1983, No.33, p.1-73. Illus. Bibl.

CIS 83-1869 Hübner G.
Commission of the European Communities, Directorate-General "Employment, Social Affairs and Education"
Correlation between hearing impairment risk and exposure to noise - Present level of research
Corrélation entre le risque de traumatisme auditif et l'exposition au bruit - Etat actuel des connaissances [in French]
The purpose of this study was to review the guidelines concerning noise measurement methods used in the European Communities as well as evaluation techniques of hearing impairment, and to make a critical analysis of the practicability of measures to protect workers at risk recommended by various bodies and issued in various countries. Conclusions: the use of the internationally harmonised standard ISO 1999 (1980 draft) is recommended for exposure measurement procedure and to estimate by statistical means the hearing impairment risk which remains after having established a specific noise exposure limit. The establishment of noise exposure limits should be combined with large-scale audiometric controls. Particular attention, however, should be given to the reduction of noise intensities in the working environment by technical and/or organisational means.
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 5 rue du Commerce, 2985 Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, 1983. 82p. Price: BF.250.00; US$.5.50.

CIS 83-1575 Robinson D.W.
The spectral factor in noise-induced hearing loss: A case for retaining the A-weighting
For the measurement of industrial noise in hearing conservation, majority usage including international standard practice favours the A-weighting, but direct validation of this frequency weighting through comparisons of persistent threshold shift is lacking. A review of available spectrum-weighting functions is followed by an analysis of data from a study of hearing and noise in industry. Particular attention is paid to the age and noise exposure equivalence of groups of subjects classified by spectrum slope and shape. The results of 101 subjects exposed to 47 different noises fail to reveal significant advantage of the A-weighting over other standardised frequency weightings. It is concluded that the possibility of clear-cut determination of an optimum frequency weighting is remote.
Journal of Sound and Vibration, 1983, Vol.90, No.10, p.103-127. Illus. 18 ref.

CIS 83-1461
Federation of Industrial Mutual Accident Insurance Associations (Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften)
Principles for preventive medical examinations - Work involving a risk of falling from a height
Berufsgenossenschaftliche Grundsätze für arbeitsmedizinische Vorsorgeuntersuchungen - Arbeiten mit Absturzgefahr [in German]
These criteria (Code G41) are designed to give guidance for the preventive medical examination of workers exposed to the hazard of falls from a height and for identifying those who are not physically suited to this type of work. Enumeration of the general and special tests to be carried in pre-employment and periodic medical examinations, and summary of the suitability criteria. Other aspects considered: balance mechanism, hazardous sites, work restrictions, head and shoulder cinematography for the detection of balance defects, ECG during exertion. An appendix contains: "Definition of specific exposure - work involving the hazard of falls from a height" (ZH 1/600.31) specifying the intervals between examinations, specific reasons for examinations, and workplaces and types of work involving the hazard of falls from a height.
Arbeitsmedizin - Sozialmedizin - Präventivmedizin, July 1983, Vol.18, No.7, p.173-178. Illus. 11 ref.

CIS 83-965 Damongeot A., Lataye R., Freidinger M., Lescroart M.N.
Harmfulness of impact noise as compared with steady noise - Contribution of an experiment with guinea pigs
Nocivité comparée des bruits stables et des bruits d'impact - Contribution d'une expérimentation sur cobayes [in French]
Review of the principal criteria for evaluating impulsive noise and results of animal experiments comparing the effects of steady and impact noise. The impact noise studied reduced the auditory acuity of guinea pigs more than did steady noise of the same level: impact noise had the same effect as steady noise 3 to 8dB(A) louder.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Sécurité et hygiène du travail, 2nd quarter 1983, No.111, Note No.1419-111-83, p.183-197. Illus. 21 ref.

1982

CIS 88-984 Gerhardsson G.
Noise prevention at workplaces and personal hearing protection - Swedish experiences
This paper was presented at the 10th Asian Conference on Occupational Health, Singapore, 5-10 Sep. 1982. It reviews the risks associated with exposure to noise and the measures that have been taken to reduce the noise level as well as the introduction of medical preventive programmes in Sweden from the late 1950s onwards. Special attention is paid to the economic consequences of hearing impairment and the costs of technical measures for the elimination of noise.
Swedish Employers' Conferation, Stockholm, Sweden, 1982. 20p. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 85-667 Ericson C.
"Peak" impact-noise caused hearing damage among newspaper printers
Snabbt "peakljud" orsakade hörselskador vid tidningstryckeri [in Swedish]
A report on severe hearing damage in workers with long-term (20 years) exposure to printing machinery (peak hold sound levels of 122-130dB(A)).
Arbete - Människa - Miljö, 1982, No.1, p.27-30.

CIS 84-1558 Steps J.
The practice of assessment of noise-induced occupational hearing loss
Die Begutachtungspraxis der berufsbedingten Lärmschwerhörigkeit [in German]
This monograph is written for the physician involved in hearing assessment. Contents: development of noise-induced occupational hearing loss in the GDR, and corresponding legislation; assessment and compensation in various countries; assessment of symmetric hearing loss; assessment of different kinds of hearing loss; assessment of hearing damage in the inner ear, combined with conduction deafness; rare cases due to other causes; hearing loss due to non-occupational causes, but eligible for compensation; assessment of tinnitus; hearing loss due to aging; effects of noise on other organs; deterioration of the vocal audiogram; objective audiometry; preventive change of work; problems of checkup examinations; trends. Examples and case studies illustrating special problems are given; existing legislation on insurance in effect in the German Democratic Republic is taken into consideration.
VEB Verlag Volk und Gesundheit, Neue Grünstrasse 18, DDR-1020 Berlin, 1982. 199p. Illus. 213 ref. Price: M.22.00.

CIS 83-1871 Syromjatnikov J.P.
Individual sensitivity to noise
K voprosu ob individual'noj čuvstvitel'nosti k šumu [in Russian]
The rates of increase in permanent threshold shift (PTS) and decay of temporary threshold shift (TTS) were measured in a population of weavers exposed to a noise level of 101dBA; rates of hearing loss in the 4000Hz band differed from one individual to another, but regardless of rate the sensitivity level stabilised after 10-12 years on the job. An algorithm was devised to permit prediction of hearing loss at any length of service from initial values of PTS and TTS. Predicted and observed values were in good agreement. Work under noisy conditions is contraindicated when a worker hearing loss of grades I-III as defined by USSR Standard GOST 12.4.062-78.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Mar. 1982, No.3, p.27-31. Illus. 7 ref.

CIS 83-1861 Plundrich J., Kraak W.
Loss of speech perception as a consequence of noise- and age-related hearing defects
Die Beeinträchtigung des Hörens von Umgangssprache infolge lärm- und altersbedingter Gehörschäden [in German]
Loss of perception of spoken language (NIHI - noise-induced hearing impairment) is proposed as a new measure of the effects of noise on hearing. The NIHI enables a clearer distinction of the effects of noise and aging than do present measures. The performance of the proposed index was studied with a mathematical model of hearing loss (modified Dresden model). The risk of losing perception of spoken language was studied by statistical analysis of hearing-loss data from several groups of noise-exposed persons. Use of the NIHI in no way supports a reduction of the noise exposure limit from 90 to 85dBA.
Zeitschrift für die gesamte Hygiene und ihre Grenzgebiete, 1982, Vol.28, No.8, p.517-521. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 83-1859 Varatojo T.
Noise - physiological and pathological changes
Ruido - alterações fisiológicas e patológicas [in Portuguese]
General topics covered: Definition of noise; mechanism of hearing; physiological and psychological changes due to noise. More details are given on the effects of noise on: hearing loss and deafness; auditive and nervous fatigue (leading to distraction from work, loss of manual coordination, irregularities of heart beat, changes of metabolism); psychological and nervous effects (headaches, feelings of apprehension, irritability, memory loss, mental depression).
Segurança, 1982, Vol.17, No.4, p.30-38. Illus.

CIS 83-1273 Okamoto M.
Proposal of ILO on occupational impairment of hearing
The outline of the ILO Work Environmental Convention No.148, adopted in June 1977, which concerns the protection of workers from hazards posed by exposure to air pollution, noise and vibration, is discussed. Problems posed by the Convention in the context of future development in Japan and existing Japanese laws are considered.
Japanese Journal of Traumatology and Occupational Medicine, May 1982, Vol.30, No.5, p.334-339. Illus.

CIS 83-1401 Laffont H., Abecassis J.C.
Special medical supervision of woodworkers
La surveillance médicale spéciale des travailleurs du bois [in French]
Proposals as to medical supervision procedures (detection, compensation, prevention) for occupational health hazards specific to woodworkers (respiratory diseases, ethmoid cancer and hearing loss).
Revue de médecine du travail, 1982, Vol.10, No.5, p.295-300.

CIS 83-1260 Kanabu M.
Type of equipment noise viewed from frequency analysis and the influencing power of equipment noise on hearing organs (organ of Corti)
Analysis of the frequency spectrum of the noise of workshop equipment revealed 4 general classes: high tone type; flat type; low tone type; mountain type. Where intensity is the same at a given sound pressure level, high tone type noise is more damaging than low tone type. Frequency analysis of equipment noise is an important criteria for the prevention of deafness and is recommended for inclusion in industrial safety and health legislation.
Japanese Journal of Traumatology and Occupational Medicine, Sep. 1982, Vol.30, No.9, p.690-697. Illus. 9 ref.

CIS 83-958 Stekelenburg M.
Noise at work - tolerable limits and medical control
An attempt is made to assign TLVs to noise in a manner similar to those for chemical substances. The TLV-TWA for noise should be less than 65dBA, a limit that is unlikely to be accepted in the near future. It is suggested that the expected degree of social impairment at age 70-75 be used as control criterion. Exposure data were correlated with presbyacusis data following noise exposure; even with a limit of 80dBA, hearing loss could be expected in 10% of the population. These people should be identified by audiometric testing.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, June 1982, Vol.43, No.6, p.403-410. Illus. 44 ref.

CIS 83-957 Manninen O.
Combinations of noise, vibration, temperature and physical work and temporary threshold shift of hearing
Studies in 72 healthy male volunteers are reported. Subjects were randomly exposed to one of the 12 combinations of 2 levels of dry-bulb temperature (20°C, 30°C), 2 load levels of physical work (2W, 8W), and 3 noise levels (no-noise, free-field continuous broad band noise of 90 dB(A), and free-field continuous broad band noise of 90 dB(A) with simultaneous sinusoidal vibration at a frequency of 5Hz. The most marked effect on temporary threshold shift (TTS) resulted from noise, while temperature and physical work had no effect on the TTS. There was a significant interaction between the factors involved: the extra influence of elevated temperature and hard physical work on the TTS was clearest at 6 kHz. The combination of light physical work, noise and vibration seemed to have a greater effect on the TTS at 4 kHz than noise alone.
Nordic Council for Arctic Medical Research Report Series, 1982, Vol.33, p.588-594. Illus. 16 ref.

CIS 83-671 Gaillac V.
Investigation of noise levels and hearing loss in inland water transport occupations
Enquête sur les niveaux de bruit et les déficits auditifs dans les professions de la batellerie [in French]
Contents of this MD thesis: description and statistics of the French inland waterways fleet in 1982, notes on new vessels (self-propelled barges, push-tugs), freight, personnel employed. Results are given of 76 audiograms of workers performed in 1981, indicating incipient deafness, especially in young subjects. Measurements on board push-tugs indicate an almost continuous noise level above 80dB. Special medical supervision of these workers, including regular audiometry, is recommended.
Université de Paris V, Faculté de médecine Paris-Ouest, Paris, France, 1982, 54p. 10 ref.

CIS 83-670 Niogret-Mazeyrat C.
Audio-sonometric study in a throwing works (Comparison of harmfulness criteria by physical and audiometeric methods)
Etude audio-sonométrique dans une usine de moulinage (Comparaison des critères de nocivité par les moyens physiques et les moyens audiométriques) [in French]
The aim of this MD thesis was to link the data from different methods of physical noise measurement with the degree of hearing loss resulting from chronic exposure. The 1st part deals with noise; hearing; occupational hearing loss; legislation concerning occupational hearing loss, the worker and noise. The 2nd part outlines the throwing works (working conditions, harmful effects) and insists on the different aspects of the noise of twisting machinery. The 3rd part reports on a noise dosimetry study undertaken in the works, on the audiometric tests, the medical examination and accompanying interviews. A correlation is established between noise and hearing loss. As real harmfulness always exceeds the determined harmfulness, there appears to be a harmfulness factor not yet controllable. It may be represented by the industrial decibel (dBi). At present, sonometry remains an irreplaceable prevention method for occupational hearing loss.
Université de Paris VI, Faculté de médecine Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France, 1982. 143p. 81 ref.

CIS 83-669 Steps J.
Medico-legal evaluation of occupational deafness
Die Begutachtungspraxis der berufsbedingten Lärmschwerhörigkeit [in German]
The purpose of this manual is to present an exhaustive review of the problems of evaluation for occupational physicians with little experience of the subject, with a view to harmonising practice. Contents: development of deafness in the German Democratic Republic, practice in various countries, evaluation of symmetrical hearing loss, evaluation of asymmetrical lesions of the inner ear, rare cause-effect relations, hearing loss due to age, aggravation of the speech audiogram, value of objectice audiometry, transfer to other work, problems of medical supervision, trends in evaluation. Annex: legislation in force in the GDR.
Verlag Volk und Gesundheit, Villengang 2, 6900 Jena, German Democratic Republic, 1982. 199p. Illus. 213 ref. Price: M.22.00.

CIS 83-664 Lips W.
Noise of ultrasound equipment
Ultraschallanlagen als Lärmquellen [in German]
Rumore delle installazioni a ultrasuoni [in Italian]
Bruit des installations à ultrasons [in French]
Aspects considered are the physics and production of ultrasound, its medical and technical applications, and health effects, with special reference to hearing. The chapter on measurement techniques deals with both the instruments and the methods used. Problems of assessing the effects of ultrasound on hearing are examined in the context of physiological threshold limit values. Detailed examples illustrate the noise levels produced by ultrasound equipment over a wide range of applications: ultrasonic cleaning, welding and drilling equipment. Primary and secondary noise reduction measures on the machinery itself, and general and personal protection measures are discussed.
Cahiers suisses de la sécurité du travail, Caisse nationale suisse d'assurance en cas d'accidents, case postale, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, Oct. 1982. 38p. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 83-660 Lienhart H., Nathie J.
Deafness in flight personnel - Statistical study of hearing in airforce flying personnel
La surdité de l'aviateur - Etude statistique de d'audition du personnel navigant de l'armée de l'air [in French]
Comparison of the data from audiometric monitoring of 996 flying personnel and 866 flight controllers used as a control group, all with neurosensory deafness due to occupational noise exposure. The extent and distribution of hearing loss were studied in relation to age, exposure duration, job category, number of flying hours, the appearance of the audiometric curve and the bilateral nature of the hearing loss. In addition, consideration was given to the new procedure for calculating hearing loos as laid down in the new French table No.42 of occupational diseases, and its consequences from the point of view of compensation. Deafness in flying personnel is an occupational hearing loss of moderate severity, with audiometric curves that are frequently atypical.
Médecine aéronautique et spatiale, 1982, Vol.21, No.83, p.170-174. 4 ref.

CIS 83-376 Urbanus J.H.
Hearing damage in instructors of an agricultural vocational training school; audiometric survey
Gehoorbeschadiging bij instructeurs van een landbouwpraktijkschool; een audiometrisch onderzoek [in Dutch]
Contents of this essay: preparation of the survey; general aspects of occupational-noise-induced hearing loss; hearing and noise at work (physiology of hearing, hearing disorders, presbycusis, temporary and permanent threshold shifts, exposure limits, extra-auditory effects, hearing protection); industrial audiometry (anamnesis and location of the impairment, types of audiogram, screening audiometry and comparison with other methods; the social handicap; periodicity of audiometric tests); survey of noise-induced hearing loss in agricultural machinery instructors (the instructors' tasks; noise measurements on tractors and tractor attachments; description and results of the audiometric tests); discussion and recommendations (choice of low-noise equipment, sound-insulated instructors' booths, organisational measures of exposure limitation).
Vakgroep Gezondheidsleer, Landbouwhogeschool, Gen. Foulkesweg 43, 6703 BM Wageningen, Netherlands, July 1981. 70p. Illus. 40 ref.

CIS 82-2011
Labour Inspectorate (Arbeidsinspectie)
Hearing protection
Gehoorbescherming [in Dutch]
Contents of this data sheet: hearing level and noise exposure; hearing loss due to exposure to high noise levels; hearing conservation programme; review of hearing protectors (anatomy of ear, earplugs of various types and materials, muff-type protectors, acoustic helmets); noise attenuation afforded by these protectors (calculation of attenuation in dB, estimation); choice of hearing protectors (criteria of comfort, hygiene and durability); requirements to be met by hearing protectors (attenuation; characteristics of earplugs and earmuffs); information to be provided by suppliers of protectors; practical aspects for the introduction of hearing protection (persuasion of noise-exposed workers, effects of irregular wearing of protectors, etc.); audiometric tests; extracts from relevant Netherlands regulations.
Directoraat-Generaal van de Arbeid, Postbus 69, 2270 MA Voorburg, Netherlands, May 1982. 18p. Illus. Price: Glds.0.50.

CIS 82-1288 Rabinowitz J., Hausler R., Bristow G., Rey P.
Study on the effects of very loud music on musicians in the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Etude des effets de la musique de forte intensité chez les musiciens de l'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande [in French]
A study carried out in 1981 on hearing acuity of 110 musicians in this orchestra showed 58 with normal hearing (20dB maximum loss) and 52 with defective hearing (>20dB maximum loss). In 30 cases, other causes (shooting, disease) may explain a part of this hearing loss. In many musicians, very loud music may cause hearing fatigue, headache, nervous tension and subjective disturbances (100 cases). The possible role of certain variables (age, length of musical career, sex, type of instrument played, position in orchestra, auditorium characteristics) in the genesis of hearing loss or subjective disturbances is studied. Consideration of hearing protection measures covering organisation of rehearsals, acoustics of concert halls and opera orchestra pits, space provision for each musician, information and education of young musicians on this subject during their conservatory studies. Each musician should undergo audiometry every 3-4 year.
Médecine et hygiène, May 1982, Vol.40, No.1471, p.1-9. 18 ref.

CIS 82-1285 Langlume-Bigret C.
Aircraft noise and its consequences for man, illustrated by a workplace study
Le bruit en aéronautique et ses conséquences sur l'homme. Illustration par l'étude d'un poste de travail [in French]
MD thesis. General considerations on noise and hearing; review of studies on acoustics and noise-induced hearing damage. Noise in airports is examined in the light of a workplace study (employment on airport apron and runways). Statistics on hearing loss in airline employees in this occupation; group hearing protection (e.g. health engineering), personal protective equipment. Emphasis is laid on the large number of problems involved for the industrial physician to ensure adequate protection, in noisy environments, for individual employees and the population at large.
Université de Paris VII, Faculté de médecine Xavier Bichat, Paris, France, 1982. 150p. 50 ref.

CIS 82-1280 Tranchard-Roussel S.
The hazards of the use of ultrasound in the work environment and their prevention
Les risques liés à l'utilisation des ultra-sons en milieu professionnel et leur prévention [in French]
This medical thesis covers: physical properties of ultrasound (definition, means of production and detection, industrial uses); physiopathological effects and pathological effects in man and animals (the latter being somewhat controversial - especially the genetic effects); safety measures and practical examination of a workplace using ultrasound (cleaning of electronic components); analysis of relevant legislation. In France, there is no legislation dealing specifically with ultrasound, and it is recommended that consideration be given to standards from other countries, and that the legislation on intense noise be applied to ultrasound.
Université de Paris VI, Faculté de médecine Broussais-Hôtel-Dieu, Paris, France, 1982. 50p. 41 ref.

CIS 82-1279 Rublack K., Schultz G., Tamm R., Mahler K.F., Prasse G., Grimm B.
Comparative study of audiometric screening and conventional audiometric examinations
Etude comparative de l'audiométrie screening et des examens audiométriques conventionnels [in French]
Analysis of the sensitivity, specificity and validity of audiometric screening (even using unskilled operators) for the monitoring of workers' hearing at the workplace itself. The method uses supraliminal audiometry equipment and can distinguish between persons with normal and abnormal hearing. (English translation available from Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 250 Main Street E., Ont. L8N 1H6, Canada. (CCOHS translation series No.152)). Presentation of the technique and its advantages: subjects for audiometric examination can be preselected; it is less time-consuming than conventional methods, and it can be carried out at the workplace itself; reduced audiometric equipment and personnel requirements, more workers examined in a shorter time; fewer lost working hours for workers with normal hearing. (English translation available from Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 250 Main Street E., Ont. L8N 1H6, Canada. (CCOHS translation series No.152)).
Archives des maladies professionnelles, 1982, Vol.43, No.1, p.21-26. Illus. 23 ref.

CIS 82-955 Brown C.R.
Comparison of hearing loss in the first year of employment in workers assigned to noise-hazard and non-noise-hazard areas at the state prison industries
Noise abatement and hearing protection procedures implemented in high-noise work areas in the Utah State Prison were evaluated by means of a retrospective matched pair chart study of employees assigned to noise hazard and non-noise hazard areas. No significant difference in hearing loss between the two groups, after one year of exposure, was found. The noise abatement and instruction in hearing protection programme was effective in controlling the problem.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Jan. 1982, Vol.43, No.1, p.39-42. Illus. 26 ref.

1981

CIS 83-1559 Suvorov G.A., Evdokimova I.B., Denisov Ė.I., Šajpak E.Ju.
Hygienic standardisation of infrasound in industry
Gigieničeskoe normirovanie infrazvuka na proizvodstve [in Russian]
Workplace studies, medical examinations and laboratory experiments suggest that infrasound levels should not exceed 105dB in the 2,4, 8 and 16Hz octave bands or 110dB in total level on the linear scale of the sound meter. At the non-standardised frequency of 31.5Hz, a limit of 102dB is recommended. Infrasound levels at the frequencies most commonly encountered in industry were 90-110dB. Of the physiological systems studied, only the vestibular apparatus of the ear seemed to be adversely affected by this combination of frequency and amplitude.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Sep. 1981, No.9, p.8-11. Illus. 4 ref.

CIS 83-1555 Syromjatnikov Ju.P.
Evaluating the informative value of the symptoms and probability of noise-related disorders
Ocenka informativnosti kliničeskih priznakov i verojatnosti šumovoj bolezni [in Russian]
Statistical methods were used to determine the correlation of 12 physiological and psychological symptoms with moderate and extensive hearing loss in subjects exposed to noise. Symptoms were divided into 3 classes (pathognomonic, highly informative and moderately informative) by a system of numerical weighting. The quality of diagnosis can be improved by calculating the probability of noise-related disorders from the co-occurrence of a number of symptoms because individual symptoms, especially in the early stages, are often transitory.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Aug. 1981, No.8, p.1-4. 12 ref.

CIS 83-1276 Quick T.C., Lapertosa J.B.
Contribution to the study of auditory and neuro-vegetative changes attributable to noise
Contribuição ao estudo das alterações auditivas e de ordem neurovegetativas atribuíveis ao ruído [in Portuguese]
A review of literature on the health effects of noise is followed by a study of 390 workers at a metal-refining and -working plant; 300 workers from areas with noise levels of 85-105dB were compared with 90 from areas with noise levels below 70dB. The noise-exposed group showed significantly higher frequencies of buzzing or pain in the ear, persistence of perceived noise, vertigo, insomnia, palpitation, irritability and nausea than the 90-member control group. The noise-exposed workers showed audiometric abnormalities almost twice as frequently as the controls. Whereas the frequency of complaints of ear disorders and related symptoms increased steadily with age in the control group, it increased to a maximum between 2 and 5 years of service in the noise-exposed group, then decreased. The period 2-5 years of service was also a time of more frequent accidents among the noise-exposed workers.
Revista brasileira de saúde ocupacional, Oct.-Dec. 1981, Vol.9, No.36, p.50-56. Illus. 31 ref.

CIS 83-71 Janisch R.
Hearing loss in underground workers in uranium mines
Snižení sluchu u pracovníků z podzemí uranových dolů [in Czech]
Results of audiometry, within the framework of periodical medical examinations, of 197 miners aged 20-62 years (average age: 39 years) who, though employed primarily in ore getting, also carried out other work. In 27% of the miners examined, the hearing loss did not exceed 20dB in the 125-8,000Hz range. The annual increase in hearing loss at 4,000Hz was 1.9dB in ore getters, 1.1dB in miners employed on both ore getting and other jobs, 1.0dB in mechanics and mine locomotive drivers, and 0.7dB in fitters.
Pracovní lékařství, Aug. 1981, Vol.33, No.6-7, p.212-213, Illus. 6 ref.

CIS 82-1881 Pyykkö I., Stark J., Färkkilä M., Hoikkala M., Korhonen O., Nurminen M.
Hand-arm vibration in the aetiology of hearing loss in lumberjacks
Results of a study of hearing loss in 203 Finnish lumberjacks who had been exposed to continuous energy equivalent sound levels (Leq-values) of 96-103dBA and to chain saw vibration at a linear acceleration of 30-70ms^-2. The subjects were classified according to: history of vibration-induced white finger (VWF), age, duration of exposure and duration of earmuff usage; noise-induced permanent threshold shift (NIPTS) was determined by measurement of hearing loss at 4kHz. Lumberjacks with VWF, when classified by age, had about 10dB greater NIPTS than subjects without VWF. NIPTS increased with exposure duration; but with equal noise exposure, NIPTS was about 10dB greater in lumberjackss with VWF than without VWF. With the same duration of ear protection, lumberjackss with VWF had about 10dB greater NIPTS than those without VWF. It is suggested that vibration might produce vasoconstriction in cochlear vessels as a result of sympathetic nervous system activity in subjects with VWF.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Aug. 1981, Vol.38, No.3, p.281-289. Illus. 39 ref.

CIS 82-1872 Acton W.I.
Industrial deafness
This annotated compilation of references from governmental, medical, technical and trade publications provides a review of the information available about industrial deafness during the period 1883-1972. 4 sections cover: the state of knowledge; ear protection; other hearing conservation measures; attitudes of management and workers towards noise and ear protection.
Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, Southampton University, Southampton SO9 5NH, United Kingdom, 1981. 109p. Price: £35.00.

CIS 82-1407 Hopkinson N.T.
Prevalence of middle ear disorders in coal miners
Results of a study on the prevalence of middle and external ear disorders in underground coal miners, following an earlier NIOSH report on possible widespread otoscopic abnormalities. Otoscopy, pure-tone air- and bone-conduction audiometry and impedence tests on 350 underground workers and 150 controls showed a highly similar prevalence of middle ear and ear-canal abnormalities in both groups (19%). The examining otorhinolaryngologists judged the miners' middle-ear abnormalities to have preceded their mining experience and not to be related solely to underground noise or coal-dust exposure. The results show a higher percentage of middle and external ear abnormalities among control subjects than would have been predicted by previous NIOSH studies. Possible reasons for these findings, including differences among examiners, criteria and subject selection, are discussed.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA, 1981. 39p. 8 ref.

CIS 82-1295 Baldus S.
Introduction to audiometry for plant physicians
Einführung in die Audiometrie für den Betriebsartz [in German]
Contents: definition of hearing threshold, technical data on audiometers, diagnosis of hearing threshold, illustrations of audiograms, contra-lateral hearing and deafness, differentiation of inner-ear deficiency. The article also aims to assist the plant physician to avoid the most common errors. Comparative table of sources of errors, their effects, and possible remedial action.
Arbeitsmedizin - Sozialmedizin - Präventivmedizin, Oct. 1981, Vol.16, No.10, p.253-256. Illus.

CIS 82-1291 Pfeiffer B.H.
Occupational health hearing conservation measures
Arbeitsmedizinische Gehörvorsorge [in German]
Proceedings of 2 symposia on hearing conservation (Oct. and Dec. 1980, Hennef, Federal Republic of Germany). Subjects of the papers reproduced: errors in audiometric tests; training of audiometry staff; economics of preventive audiometric examinations; influence of the plant physician in changing working conditions; hearing acuity in a person with noise-induced hearing loss; definition of inner ear deafness attributable to causes other than noise; analysis of various additional examinations; criteria for keeping persons with hearing loss on the same job; determining noise exposure when compensation is claimed; localising the direction of noise in a horizontal plane; design of premises for audiometric examinations; pure-tone threshold audiometry by air-conduction for hearing conservation; principles for preventive medical examinations in cases of noise-induced hearing loss hazards (with examples of evaluation); importance of supraluminar audiometry; incidence and evaluation of tinnitus.
BIA-Report Nr.4/81 and Nr.5/81. Berufsgenossenschaftliches Institut für Arbeitssicherheit, 5205 St. Augustin 2, Federal BIA-Republic of Germany, 1981. 93 and 153p. Illus.

CIS 82-1282 Miyakita T., Miura H., Ito A., Yamamoto T.
Noise susceptibility and aural reflex
The aural reflex threshold (ART) was determined, using an electroacoustic impedance bridge, for a group (A) of 31 male workers occupationally exposed to steady noise, a group (B) of 65 male workers exposed to impulse noise and a group (C) of 50 males and 50 females with no occupational noise exposure. Exposure periods averaged 13.3 years for group A and 26.1 years for group B. Using white noise (WN) and pure tones of 1 and 4kHz, both groups A and B showed hearing loss at 4kHz but no significant difference was found between them. Mean ART's for the exposed groups were 92.0dB SPL (WN), 93.8dB (SPL) (1kHz) and 102.1dB SPL 84kHz) compared with values of 83.8, 96.2 and 97.5 respectively for groups C. The difference between ART's for WN and 1kHz was significantly reduced in the exposed groups and is proposed as an indicator of early hearing impairment.
Japanese Journal of Industrial Health - Sangyō-Igaku, Nov. 1981, Vol.23, No.6, p.619-631. Illus. 27 ref.

CIS 82-950 Reischl U., Hanks T.G., Reischl P.
Occupation related fire fighter hearing loss
A noise exposure survey and audiometric assessment of 750 los Angeles City fire fighters, carried out to determine the impact of fire service noise exposure on hearing loss, revealed evidence of excess hearing loss at 3000, 4000, and 6000Hz test frequencies. Medical histories and life-style data did not indicate an impact of hobbies or disease on hearing threshold changes. Hearing loss, in relation to age, was in excess of a general national population indicating occupational overexposure to noise. A hearing conservation programme for the fire service is recommended.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Sep. 1981, Vol.42, No.9, p.656-662. Illus. 10 ref.

CIS 82-679 Thomas G.B., Williams C.E., Hoger N.G.
Some non-auditory correlates of the hearing threshold levels of an aviation noise-exposed population
Data collected in the Thousand Aviator Study, which identified normal and impaired hearing level groups, were analysed using 33 non-auditory dimensions. The two equally noise-exposed groups could be differentiated according to their smoking history and eye colour. The impaired hearing group reported smoking more cigarettes for a greater period of time than did the members of the normal hearing group and blue-eye individuals were over-represented in the impaired hearing group. The 31 other physical, psychological, and sociological measures which were compared failed to appear differently in the two groups.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 1981, Vol.52, No.9, p.531-536. 47 ref.

CIS 82-677 Zusho H.
A clinical study on noise deafness II. Study on Békésy audiometry
77 workers in the age range 50-60 years who had been exposed continuously in noisy workplaces for 30-40 years were examined using Békésy audiometry. According to Jerger's classification 38 ears of type I, 94 ears of type II, none of type III and 14 ears of type IV were found. In type II cases of narrowing of tracing width was observed in 31 ears at 1kHz and in 94 ears at 4kHz.
Japanese Journal of Traumatology and Occupational Medicine, Sep. 1981, Vol.29, No.9, p.737-740. 5 ref.

CIS 82-750 Dejonckere P.
Posttraumatic oto-vestibular disturbances
Séquelles post-commotionnelles oto-vestibulaires [in French]
Analysis of disturbances affecting the sense of balance and hearing following cranial traumas, half of which are caused by accidents at work, or on the way to or from work. Description of the anatomical lesions to which these disturbances are due, and of clinical and functional examinations (anamnesis, O.R.L. auscultation, audiometric and vestibular tests). The medico-legal aspects of compensation and the return to work are also considered.
Cahiers de médecine du travail - Cahiers voor arbeidsgeneeskunde, Sep. 1981, Vol.18, No.3, p.159-164. Illus. 10 ref.

CIS 82-661 Giardino D.A., Marraccini L.C.
Noise in the mining industry - An overview
Noise levels, noise exposure patterns, and frequency spectra met with in the US mining industry, the effects of mining noise on the working population, and the quantification of hearing loss in the coal mining industry are reviewed. Federal mining noise regulations and the present state of the industry, with respect to noise control technology, are discussed. Examples of proven noise controls for mining are included along with measured noise reductions.
US Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Washington, USA, 1981. 10p. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 81-2093 Decree No.81-507 of 4 May 1981 to revise and add to the tables of occupational diseases in the Schedule to Decree No.46-2959 of 31 December 1946
Décret n°81-507 du 4 mai 1981 révisant et complétant les tableaux des maladies professionnelles annexés au décret n°46-2959 du 31 décembre 1946 [in French]
Decree amending Tables 42, 44 and 47: occupational diseases due to noise, occupational siderosis and health damage due to certain types of wood. (The text of this Decree is also reproduced in full in Cahiers de notes documentaires, 3rd. quarter 1981, No.104, p.415-420, with a commentary.)
Journal officiel de la République française, 14 May 1981, Vol.113, No.113, p.1410-1411.

CIS 81-1733 Renon P., Le Mouel C., Lemaire L., Suc B., Asperge A.
The vestibular system in divers: preliminary electronystagmographic study of a mine-clearance-diver training course
L'appareil vestibulaire des plongeurs: étude préliminaire électronystagmographique d'un cours de plongeurs-démineurs [in French]
Examination of 26 males, average age 23 years, with good ENT status and with no diving-related ENT-disorder history, before and after an 8-month training course for mine-clearance divers. Clinical examination of the vestibular system proved completely normal in all cases both before and after the course; however, ENG examination revealed numerous qualitative anomalies which did not seem proportional to the number of dives but are thought to be the result of small otological trauma and repeated vestibular microtrauma. This preliminary study therefore seems to indicate that repeated, operational, professional diving is harmful to the vestibular system.
Médecine aéronautique et spatiale - Médecine subaquatique et hyperbare, 1981, Vol.20, No.77, p.66-71. Illus. 11 ref.

CIS 81-1638 Demar E.A., Harper R.
Use of tympanometry in an airline medical service.
Tympanometry, a procedure in otologic medicine which enables an examiner to evaluate the mobility and potency of the eardrum, the functional condition of the middle ear, and to ascertain the ventilation capability of the Eustachian tube, has been used as an effective adjunct in the diagnosis and management of middle ear disease in commercial air crew. The tympanometer varies the air pressure in the closed ear canal and simultaneously emits a low-frequency sound. The compliance or mobility of the eardrum is then recorded on a graph. Tympanograms have been used to screen flight applicants and to establish normal and abnormal conditions in air crew recovering from aerotitis media.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1981, Vol.52, No.3, p.181-184. Illus. 7 ref.

CIS 81-975 Lahti T.
NAS-80: Proceedings.
NAS-80: Proceedings [in Swedish]
Texts of papers presented at the Congress of the Acoustical Society of Finland (Åbo, Finland, 10-12 June 1980), mostly in Swedish, some in English, under the broad headings: room and building acoustics, structure-borne sound (sound transmission from machines to foundation, resilient mounting, measurement methods, vibration isolation, ships), machinery noise (Nordic data bank for noise sources, sound level guarantee when purchasing machines, compact sound attenuators for machine enclosures, noise in heating plants), noise control in industry (centrifugal separators; woodworking machine enclosures; concrete element prefabrication; hearing status of ship platers, acoustic measurements and noise reduction methods in a ship-repair yard), occupational noise exposure (automobile repair and body shops, earthmoving equipment, tractors), impulse noise (measurement by numerical display, simulated ear, hearing damage study), chain-saw vibration test; exterior noise in industry; aircraft and traffic noise; electroacoustics; communication acoustics; acoustical education and information.
The Acoustical Society of Finland, Laajaniityntie 1, 01620 Vantaa 62, Finland, 1981. 335p. Illus. Bibl. Price: Fmk.100.00.

1980

CIS 84-66 Throckmorton J.
Noise is a health hazard
The effects of exposure to noise on health are discussed in this brief information pamphlet. Loss of hearing is the most significant effect. Physiological, psychological and behavioural effects are also described.
Environment Council of Alberta, 2100 College Plaza, Tower 3, 8215-122 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2M4, 1980. 11p. Illus.

CIS 82-1874 Bryan M.E., Tempest W.
Industrial audiometry
Updated and enlarged edition of the booklet abstracted under CIS 77-384. General introduction on the problem of occupational deafness due to exposure to noise exceeding 85dB; choice of equipment (audiometers; testing facility); care and maintenance of equipment (calibration; the artificial ear; biological calibration; manufacturer's overhaul; daily check); reliability of results (audiogram accuracy; causes of threshold uncertainty; effects of background noise; manual versus automatic audiometry threshold comparisons); test procedure (medical questionnaire; ototoxic drugs; automatic and manual audiometry test procedures; masking; detection of non-organic hearing loss; effect of pre-test noise exposure; interval between tests); analysis and interpretation of results (criteria of normal hearing; presbycusis; diagnosis of noise-induced hearing loss; assessment of handicap; criteria for rejection of workers). Training course in industrial audiometry (syllabus).
Bryan and Tempest, Noise Consultants, "Kismet", Croyde Road, St. Annes, Lancashire, FY8 1EX, United Kingdom, 1980. 68p. Illus. 48 ref.

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