Healthy People 2010 objective 28-18 aims to reduce adult hearing loss in the noise-exposed public, yet the objective lacks baseline data. In keeping with public health core functions, this study assesses perceived and measured hearing ability among construction laborers and farmers in order to inform policy development to prevent hearing loss in these underserved worker populations. Construction laborers (n=148) and farmers (n=150) had screening audiograms at their workplace and a farm show respectively. Participants also completed a one-item measure of perceived hearing ability (1=excellent to 5=poor). The relationship of perceived and measured hearing ability was explored using non-parametric statistics. Measured hearing loss was greater for farmers than for construction laborers at almost every frequency level. At the 6KHz frequency, indicative of noise-induced hearing loss, both groups exhibited a high proportion of workers with thresholds greater than 25 dBA: farmers 79%, laborers 64%. Mean self-reported hearing ability was significantly less (p<.05) for workers with a measured loss at almost every frequency tested. Further analysis indicated that agreement of perceived hearing ability with the audiograms was low (laborers .1 to .4, sensitivity .30; farmers 0 to .3, sensitivity .54). Knowledge of the high prevalence of hearing loss among construction laborers and farmers can spur prevention efforts of public health nurses and interdisciplinary colleagues. Results of this study demonstrate low sensitivity of a one-item self-report of hearing ability, therefore best practices require audiometric screening as part of a complete hearing loss prevention program.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe prevalence of hearing loss in the study sample of construction laborers and farmers. 2. Describe at least one component of best practices for hearing loss prevention among construction laborers and farmers.
Keywords: Core Functions, Occupational Health
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.