title: Quantification of the psychosocial disadvantages experienced by workers in a noisy industry and their nearest relatives: perspectives for rehabilitation.
abstract: A questionnaire of handicap was developed to assess the psychosocial disadvantages attributable to noise-induced hearing loss (temporary or permanent). Sixty-five workers in a metal product plant completed the questionnaire with their nearest relative. A principal-component analysis was applied to the answers. Results show that the disadvantages can be grouped under three dimensions, that is, (1) quality of life at home and at work; (2) isolation and self-esteem, and (3) telephone use and leisure activities. Variables that could influence the disadvantages were tested by multiple-regression analyses. Results indicate that the variable most predictive of the disadvantages is self-acknowledgement of having a moderate or severe hearing problem. These findings are discussed in terms of perspectives for rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Groupe d'acoustique de l'Université de Montréal, Qué., Canada.
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Lalande
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Riverin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008669:Metallurgy; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D011610:Psychosocial Deprivation; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012934:Social Isolation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires