One out of ten Americans is exposed to loud noise on the job, making it the most common occupational health hazard. Consistent use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) reduces exposure and prevents noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), an irreversible impairment. Previous studies have found workers' use of HPDs to be inadequate (used 18% to 70% of the time they are needed). This study compared the effectiveness of a tailored intervention with a non-tailored predictor-based and a control intervention in increasing factory workers' use of HPDs. Computers, located in soundproof booths in a Midwest automotive factory, were used to obtain informed consent, collect data, deliver the intervention, and transmit data to the University. A total of 1326 workers participated in the study. The majority were male (86%), white (74%), and middle-aged (mean=44 years). One year post intervention, there were significant differences in change scores by intervention groups (p=.008). Use significantly increased in the tailored group (p=.001), but not in the other two groups. For workers who were not already using HPDs 100% of the time (n=846), those workers in the tailored group showed the greatest increase in use from 67% to 76%. Thus these results suggest that computer tailoring of information can be effective in increasing HPD use in factory workers.
Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss the significance of noise-induced hearing loss and hearing protection. 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of tailored vs. non-tailored interventions.
Keywords: Hearing Protection, Intervention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.