Hearing protection device usage at a South African gold mine.
BACKGROUND
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs in many industries despite interventions such as hearing conservation programmes.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the actual and reported use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) in noise-exposed gold mine workers and their reported knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to NIHL and HPDs.


METHODS
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in which 101 noise-exposed mine workers were interviewed and their use of HPDs observed.


RESULTS
Thirteen percent of respondents erroneously indicated that their workplaces were not noisy, 16% did not appreciate noise as a hearing loss hazard, 6% did not know that HPDs protect hearing and 3% believed that HPDs did not protect hearing. While 93% of respondents reported using HPDs, only 50% were observed to be doing so. Observed use was less among lower skilled workers, and, despite training, 8% of respondents claimed never to have been informed about the benefits of HPDs. Consistent and continuous use was reported by 24% and 31% of respondents, respectively. Reasons for not using HPDs included discomfort. Most respondents (57%) preferred training methods other than the current computer-assisted training.


CONCLUSIONS
The persistence of NIHL may be explained by limited use of HPDs, along with the suboptimal knowledge of noise as a hazard, workplace noisiness and the benefits of HPDs among some workers. Concurrent with engineering controls, a range of HPDs should be available free of charge, and HPD training reviewed particularly for lower skilled workers.
Rashaad Hansia
Mohammed
M
Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. mrhansia@gmail.com
Dickinson
David
D
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006046:Gold; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008906:Mining; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D006046:Gold