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Journal Article

Citation

Hong O, Chin DL, Samo DG. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2013; 55(8): 960-965.

Affiliation

From the School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco (Drs Hong and Chin), and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Ill (Dr Samo).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0b013e318293aee0

PMID

23887702

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among career firefighters. METHODS:: A Web-based survey and a standard audiometric test were performed with 425 firefighters from three states in the United States. RESULTS:: More than 40% showed hearing loss in the noise-sensitive frequencies (4 and 6 kHz). The left ear showed significantly poorer hearing than the right ear. Firefighters having longer years of work in fire services demonstrated significantly worse hearing. Reported use of HPDs was 34% of the time that was needed. Firefighters who used HPDs less were significantly more likely to have hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS:: This study demonstrated a considerable NIHL problem and low use of HPDs in firefighters. More comprehensive hearing conservation programs should be implemented to reduce NIHL for firefighters.


Language: en

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