Cardiovascular conditions,hearing difficulty,and occupational noise exposure within US industries and occupations

Background

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of occupational noise exposure, hearing difficulty and cardiovascular conditions within US industries and occupations, and to examine any associations of these outcomes with occupational noise exposure.

Methods

National Health Interview Survey data from 2014 were examined. Weighted prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios of self‐reported hearing difficulty, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and coronary heart disease or stroke were estimated by level of occupational noise exposure, industry, and occupation.

Results

Twenty‐five percent of current workers had a history of occupational noise exposure (14% exposed in the last year), 12% had hearing difficulty, 24% had hypertension, 28% had elevated cholesterol; 58%, 14%, and 9% of these cases can be attributed to occupational noise exposure, respectively.

Conclusions

Hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and hearing difficulty are more prevalent among noise‐exposed workers. Reducing workplace noise levels is critical. Workplace‐based health and wellness programs should also be considered.

     

Prevalence of hearing loss among noise‐exposed workers within the agriculture,forestry, fishing,and hunting sector, 2003‐2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss among noise‐exposed US workers within the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting (AFFH) sector.

Methods

Audiograms for 1.4 million workers (17 299 within AFFH) from 2003 to 2012 were examined. Prevalence, and the adjusted risk for hearing loss as compared with the reference industry (Couriers and Messengers), were estimated.

Results

The overall AFFH sector prevalence was 15% compared to 19% for all industries combined, but many of the AFFH sub‐sectors exceeded the overall prevalence. Forestry sub‐sector prevalences were highest with Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products at 36% and Timber Tract Operations at 22%. The Aquaculture sub‐sector had the highest adjusted risk of all AFFH sub‐sectors (PR = 1.70; CI = 1.42‐2.04).

Conclusions

High risk industries within the AFFH sector need continued hearing conservation efforts. Barriers to hearing loss prevention and early detection of hearing loss need to be recognized and addressed.