Prevalence of hearing protection device non‐use among noise‐exposed US workers in 2007 and 2014. Issue 12 (1st October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Green, Deirdre R.; Masterson, Elizabeth A.; Themann, Christa L.
• Is Part Of: American journal of industrial medicine. Volume 64:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 1002
• Page End: 1017
• Publication Date: 2021-10-01
• Subjects: hazardous noise -- hearing protection -- occupational noise exposure -- prevalence -- surveillance; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Médecine du travail -- Périodiques; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-3586

Abstract

Abstract: Background: This study estimated the prevalence of hearing protection device (HPD) non‐use among US workers exposed to hazardous workplace noise and provided risk estimates. Methods: Self‐reported data from the National Health Interview Survey in 2007 (15, 852 workers) and 2014 (23, 656 workers) were examined. Weighted prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios of HPD non‐use (using HPDs half the time or less when exposed to hazardous noise) were estimated by demographic, industry, and occupation. Differences in the prevalences of non‐use were estimated and compared. Results: The prevalence of HPD non‐use was 53% among all noise‐exposed workers in 2014. Workers in the Accommodation and Food Services industry had the highest prevalence (90%) and risk (PR: 2.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.54–3.96) of HPD non‐use. The industries with the lowest prevalences of noise exposure, including Finance and Insurance (2%) and Health Care and Social Assistance (4%), had some of the highest prevalences of HPD non‐use (80% and 83%, respectively). There were no statistically significant changes in HPD non‐use among industries between 2007 and 2014. Among occupations, HPD non‐use increased 37% in Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media, and decreased 39% in Architecture and Engineering. Conclusion: The prevalence of HPD non‐use remains high; especially within industries and occupations with fewer noise‐exposed workers. These groups need targeted attention to increase awareness and compliance. Employers should require HPD use and trainings among noise‐exposed workers and provide an assortment of HPDs tailored to noise level and type, workplace environment, communication and audibility needs, and individual comfort and convenience.