Hearing loss as a predictor for hearing protection attenuation among miners.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study investigated risk factors for poor earplug fit, with a focus on the association between hearing loss and personal attenuation ratings (PARs).

Methods

Earplug fit was assessed by obtaining PARs using a real ear at attenuation threshold (REAT) system. Hearing loss was assessed using the unoccluded hearing thresholds measured during the REAT testing and the results of a speech-in-noise test. Potential predictors of PARs were modelled using both simple and multiple linear regression. Hearing loss was the primary predictor of interest.

Results

Data were collected from 200 workers at ten above-ground mining sites in the Midwestern USA. Workers reported wearing their hearing protection on average 73.9% of the time in a high noise environment (mean 8-hour

SUBMITTER: Ullman ED 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9527647 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature