Prevalence of hearing loss and work-related noise-induced hearing loss in Michigan.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the prevalence of self-reported hearing loss (HL) and work-related noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in Michigan.


METHODS
Questions related to HL and NIHL were added to the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in Michigan, a national telephone survey-based surveillance system of health conditions among adults.


RESULTS
An estimated 19% reported HL; the proportion with HL increased steeply with age. Among those with HL, 29.9% reported that their HL was related to noise at work. Associations were found between HL/NIHL and current cigarette smoking and elevated cholesterol.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-reported HL is common in Michigan. Almost 30% of this loss was attributed to noise exposure at work, a preventable condition. Prevalence estimates from this study were higher than previously published estimates. Better surveillance and prevention programs are recommended.
Stanbury
Martha
M
Bureau of Epidemiology, Michigan Department of Community Health, Lansing, MI, USA.
Rafferty
Ann P
AP
Rosenman
Kenneth
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009790:Occupations; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors