Prevalence of hearing loss among noise-exposed workers within the services sector, 2006–2015. (1st December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sekhon, Nimarpreet K.; Masterson, Elizabeth A.; Themann, Christa L.
• Is Part Of: International journal of audiology. Volume 59:Number 12(2020)
• Page Start: 948
• Page End: 961
• Publication Date: 2020-12-01
• Subjects: Hazardous noise -- waste management and remediation -- repair and maintenance -- educational services -- landscaping -- public administration; Audiology -- Periodicals; Hearing disorders -- Periodicals; Deafness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Hearing Disorders -- Periodicals; Hearing -- Periodicals; 617.8
• DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2020.1780485
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1499-2027

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss among noise-exposed U.S. workers within the Services sector. Methods: Audiograms for 1.9 million workers (158, 436 within Services) from 2006 to 2015 were examined. Prevalence and adjusted risk for hearing loss as compared with a reference industry were estimated for the Services sector/sub-sectors, and all industries combined. Results: The prevalence of hearing loss within Services was 17 compared to 16% for all industries combined. However, many sub-sectors greatly exceeded the overall prevalence (10–33% higher) and/or had adjusted risks significantly higher than the reference industry. Workers in Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development had the highest prevalence (50%), and workers in Solid Waste Combustors and Incinerators had more than double the risk, the highest of any sub-sector. Some sub-sectors traditionally viewed as 'low-risk' also had high prevalences and risks. Conclusions: Large numbers of workers within Services have an elevated risk of hearing loss and need immediate hearing conservation efforts. Additional research and surveillance are needed for sub-sectors for which there is low awareness of hearing hazards or a lack of hearing data.