Impact of daily noise exposure monitoring on occupational noise exposures in manufacturing workers.
OBJECTIVE
Despite the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs), noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains one of the most prevalent occupational conditions. A new technology allows for daily monitoring of noise exposures under HPDs. We report on an intervention employing the voluntary use of this technology in a worksite setting.


METHODS
Volunteers were fitted with a device allowing them to monitor noise exposure under their hearing protection on a daily basis. The trends in noise exposures for individuals who completed at least six months of the intervention were analysed.


METHODS
Recruitment occurred at three manufacturing facilities, with 127 workers enrolling and 66 workers actively using the device during their work shifts.


RESULTS
Among volunteers downloading regularly, the percentage of daily exposures in excess of the OSHA action level (85 dBA) decreased from 14% to 8%, while the percentage of daily exposures in excess of 90 dBA decreased from 4% to less than 2%.


CONCLUSIONS
Initial results from this longitudinal study indicate that volunteers find daily noise exposure monitoring to be feasible, and that workers who monitor daily are able to reduce exposures. The results of subject adherence shed light on the challenges and possibilities of worksite interventions for health and safety.
Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. michael.mctague@yale.edu
Michael F
MF
McTague
Deron
D
Galusha
Christine
C
Dixon-Ernst
Sharon R
SR
Kirsche
Martin D
MD
Slade
Mark R
MR
Cullen
Peter M
PM
Rabinowitz
D000328:Adult; D004430:Ear Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration