ORIGINAL PAPER
Evaluation of noise exposure and risk of hearing impairment in employees using communication headsets or headphones
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Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera / Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
(Zakład Zagrożeń Fizycznych / Department of Physical Hazards)
Online publication date: 2019-02-15
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2019;70(1):27-52
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ABSTRACT
Background: The aim of the study was to assess the noise exposure and risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among users of
communication headsets (CHs) or headphones. Material and Methods: Noise measurements and questionnaire surveys were carried
out in 74 workers (aged: 31.8±7.3 years), including military aviation personnel (N = 12), transcribers (N = 18) and call center
operators (N = 44). Sound pressure levels (SPLs) emitted by CHs (or headphones) were determined using the microphone in the real
ear (MIRE) technique and artificial ear techniques according to PN-EN ISO 11904-1:2008 and CSA Z107.56-13, respectively. The
risk of NIHL was evaluated in accordance with PN-ISO 1999:2000. Results: The diffused-field-related A-weighted equivalent-continuous
SPLs measured under CHs (or headphones) using the MIRE and artificial ear techniques reached values of 67–86 dB (10–90th
percentile) and 68–89 dB (10–90th percentile), respectively. The study subjects used these devices 1.5–8 h (10–90th percentile) per
day. Exposure to such noise levels for 40 years of employment causes the risk of hearing impairment (mean hearing threshold level
for 2, 3 and 4 kHz > 25 dB) up to 10–12% (MIRE technique) or 19–22% (artificial ear technique). Individual daily noise exposure levels
in study group varied 71–85 dB (10–90th percentile). A number of workers complained of problems with understanding speech
in noisy environment (28.4%) and hearing whisper (16.2%) and experienced post-work temporary hearing symptoms (16.2–25.7%)
as well. Conclusions: The users of CHs and headphones should be included in the hearing conservation program. Further studies
are also needed among employees of other industries. Med Pr. 2019;70(1):27–52