International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics · 2017 · 27 citations · 7 references
Health ProfessionsAudiologyHealth SciencesHearing ConservationMine HealthOccupational HealthHearing Conservation EducationHearing ImpairmentHearing LossHearing Protection DevicesNoise-induced Hearing Loss PreventionOccupational Noise ExposureBarriersBarriers To Hearing Protection UseHearing ProtectionKnowledge In Hearing ConservationMedical SurveillanceOccupational Hearing Conservation TrainingPractices In Hearing ConservationSemi-structured Interviews
The study investigated mineworkers’ knowledge of noise‑induced hearing loss in South African gold and non‑ferrous mines using a descriptive design. The authors conducted semi‑structured interviews with 90 managers, supervisors and miners and performed qualitative analysis. Most participants (97%) recognized noisy work and its effects, yet fewer than half used hearing protection consistently, revealing gaps in education, monitoring, and understanding of test results and underscoring the need for individualized audiologist‑led training and systematic HPD assessment.
The current study aimed to investigate the knowledge of mineworkers regarding noise-induced hearing loss in the South African gold and non-ferrous mining subsectors.A descriptive research design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 90 participants who comprised managers, supervisors and miners. Data were analysed qualitatively.The majority of participants (97%) acknowledged working in a noisy environment and demonstrated knowledge of the consequences of this exposure on their hearing function. Although all but one participant indicated having known the importance of using hearing protection devices (HPDs), less than 50% reported consistent use of HPDs. This highlights gaps in education and training, as well as implementation monitoring. All participants reported knowledge regarding the importance of hearing monitoring, but a lack of understanding of their test results.Current findings contribute towards evidence regarding internal barriers to effective application of best practice in hearing conservation programmes (HCPs). Findings highlight the important role of occupational audiologists in South African mines and the need for individualized education during medical surveillance to enhance efficacy of HCPs. Comprehensive education and training programmes regarding noise exposure and exposure measurements with consistent HPD efficiency assessments are recommendations emanating from these findings.
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