Effects of a low intensity intervention to increase hearing protector use among noise-exposed workers.
BACKGROUND
Farm operators experience exposure to high noise and high prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss, but use of hearing protection in this worker group is low. The purpose of this study was to test a brief intervention to increase farm operators' use of hearing protection.


METHODS
In this one-group pre- and post-test study, a random sample of 32 members of a farmers' organization was supplied a variety of hearing protectors. Participants received an assortment of hearing protectors by mail with manufacturer's instructions for use.


RESULTS
Mean pre-intervention hearing protector use when in high noise in this group was 23% (SD 29). Of the 32 participants, 27 (84%) were exposed to hazardous noise during the study period. Post-intervention mean use of HPDs was 64%, an increase of 41% (t = 5.26, P < 000).


CONCLUSIONS
Results of this study suggest that overall, hearing protectors were acceptable to farm operators, and that a brief mailed intervention is feasible.
McCullagh
Marjorie C
MC
Division of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 N. Ingalls, Ann Arbor,MI 48109, USA. mcculla@umich.edu
D000383:Agriculture / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004430:Ear Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012309:Risk-Taking; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors