Interventions to Prevent Occupational Noise-induced Hearing Loss: a Cochrane Systematic Review

Overview

Journal Int J Audiol

Publisher Informa Healthcare

Specialty Otorhinolaryngology

Date 2014 Feb 26

PMID 24564697

Citations 25

Authors

Jos H Verbeek

Erik Kateman

Thais C Morata

Wouter A Dreschler

Christina Mischke

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of interventions for preventing occupational noise exposure or hearing loss compared to no intervention or alternative interventions.

Design: We searched biomedical databases up to 25 January 2012 for randomized controlled trials (RCT), controlled before-after studies and interrupted time-series of hearing loss prevention among workers exposed to noise.

Study Sample: We included 19 studies with 82 794 participants evaluating effects of hearing loss prevention programs (HLPP). The overall quality of studies was low to very low, as rated using the GRADE approach.

Results: One study of stricter legislation showed a favorable effect on noise levels. Three studies, of which two RCTs, did not find an effect of a HLPP. Four studies showed that better use of hearing protection devices in HLPPs decreased the risk of hearing loss. In four other studies, workers in a HLPP still had a 0.5 dB greater hearing loss at 4 kHz (95% CI - 0.5 to 1.7) than non-exposed workers. In two similar studies there was a substantial risk of hearing loss in spite of a HLPP.

Conclusions: Stricter enforcement of legislation and better implementation of HLPPs can reduce noise levels in workplaces. Better evaluations of technical interventions and long-term effects are needed.

Citing Articles

The rate of occupational noise-induced hearing loss among male workers in Israel and implication on hearing surveillance frequency.

Makaruse N, Paltiel O, Klebanov M, Moshe S, Rinsky-Halivni L Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2023; 96(5):771-784.

PMID: 37058149 PMC: 10103665. DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01975-8.

Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Basu S, Aggarwal A, Dushyant K, Garg S Indian J Community Med. 2022; 47(2):166-171.

PMID: 36034244 PMC: 9400345. DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_1267_21.

The α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: a compelling drug target for hearing loss?.

Elgoyhen A Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2022; 26(3):291-302.

PMID: 35225139 PMC: 9007918. DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2047931.

Evaluation of the HearWell Pilot Program: A Participatory Approach to Hearing Conservation.

Cavallari J, Suleiman A, Garza J, Namazi S, Dugan A, Henning R Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021; 18(18).

PMID: 34574456 PMC: 8472491. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189529.

Occupational Noise Exposure and Incidence of High Fasting Blood Glucose: A 3-Year, Multicenter, Retrospective Study.

Kim S, Yun B, Lee S, Kim C, Sim J, Cho A Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021; 18(17).

PMID: 34501978 PMC: 8431404. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179388.

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