Noise Induced Hearing Loss In Manufacturing Industries

Manufacturing industry is one of the most important sectors that contribute significantly to the economy of Malaysia. More than half a million workers in Malaysia work in this industry and many of them are exposed to loud noises of more than 85dB that is harmful to health. Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the highest reported occupational disease affecting around 16% of workers globally. In this book, we reported a study conducted in 26 manufacturing industries that employed around 270,000 workers with more than 40% of them were exposed to noises that potentially cause NIHL. This cross-sectional study designed with face-to-face interviews using questionnaires conducted among Occupational Safety and Health practitioners and workers selected from these industries. Direct and indirect cost was imputed component covering cost of medical care and rehabilitation, transportation, loss of productive time and investigations. Costing data in the government hospital was obtained from casemix information system from a tertiary teaching hospital. The study confirmed that NIHL among workers in manufacturing industry imposed a huge economic burden for Malaysia. In order to mitigate this problem, the existing and yet out-dated noise regulation need to be reviewed. Meanwhile employers need to implement hearing conservation program more effectively.

Manufacturing industry is one of the most important sectors that contribute significantly to the economy of Malaysia. More than half a million workers in Malaysia work in this industry and many of them are exposed to loud noises of more than 85dB that is harmful to health. Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the highest reported occupational disease affecting around 16% of workers globally. In this book, we reported a study conducted in 26 manufacturing industries that employed around 270,000 workers with more than 40% of them were exposed to noises that potentially cause NIHL. This cross-sectional study designed with face-to-face interviews using questionnaires conducted among Occupational Safety and Health practitioners and workers selected from these industries. Direct and indirect cost was imputed component covering cost of medical care and rehabilitation, transportation, loss of productive time and investigations. Costing data in the government hospital was obtained from casemix information system from a tertiary teaching hospital. The study confirmed that NIHL among workers in manufacturing industry imposed a huge economic burden for Malaysia. In order to mitigate this problem, the existing and yet out-dated noise regulation need to be reviewed. Meanwhile employers need to implement hearing conservation program more effectively.

Copies are supplied by TSO's on-demand publishing service (May 2002)

After the early success of some articles as author and co-author, Dr Win Tin has come up with his first book on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and the Hidden Society Burden. He noticed that everyone needs peace of mind, especially after a long working day. We need to rest, physically and mentally to recoup, working again with enthusiasm the next day. Thus, it is important that we have a certain private, quiet, peaceful serene environment, day or night. But noise is all around us. The sound of grass cutters, the piling of structures nearby, children playing and shouting, or the traffic noise. These can make a lot of noise and the peace shattered. Noise-induced hearing loss is mainly caused by a certain amount of noise which has a deleterious effect on the ear when exposed to long periods of time e.g. years, and usually without the person noticing, as in occupational noise-induced hearing loss or single instances of extreme noise, as in acoustic trauma. This causes not only hearing loss but effects socially, financially, physically and mentally. Its problem is so big with compensation in millions, causing a huge hidden burden to the society, people and government. Yet it should be noted that this is the only preventable cause of sensorineural hearing loss, which can be prevented, while other causes are still not possible. The book introduces various noise, the pathogenesis and causes of noise-induced hearing loss, as seen in various strata of people. Apart from this, there is the Malaysian perspective as written by some researchers from Malaysia. Then there are also effects of noise not only on humans but also in birds and fish. Methods to diagnosis and ways to prevent, with up-to-date researches and treatment are also discussed. Thus, it is a comprehensive one for the knowledge of all levels, professionals and non-professionals. This book is important, and everybody should read or keep as a reference, as they will know in-depth, as most are unaware of the hidden problem. Young people, military, hospital workers, nurses, contractors, builders, architect, engineers, urban planners, public health doctors and everyone can benefit from this book. Hence, this book is useful not only for leisure reading but cherished for life. With the 25th anniversary of UMS, this book can be a milestone, for the wellness of UMS staff and people of Sabah.

This report examines the risks and related health effects from exposure to noise in work environments, identifies groups at risk and highlights key trends and emerging issues of concern. A growing proportion of workers are now employed in the service sector, and this report covers the newer service-oriented professions, such as education or call centres, as well as more traditionally well-known noise-exposed sectors such as construction, manufacturing or agriculture.

According to the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health, approximately 30 million employees are exposed to dangerous noise levels at work and an additional nine million workers are at risk for hearing loss from other ototoxins such as metals and solvents. Millions of children and young adults are also at risk for noise-induced hearing loss in non-occupational settings. Hearing Conservation: In Occupational, Recreational, Education, and Home Settingsis the most current text to cover all major topics related to noise-induced hearing loss, including the military, construction, manufacturing, mining, transportation, the music industry, the home environment, education settings, and recreational arenas. From the underlying principles of hearing loss to audiometric testing procedures to assessment of hearing conservation programs, this book is packed with information for audiologists and other members of the interdisciplinary team who provide hearing conservation services for at-risk groups.Special Features: Many examples of audiometric data, that enhance understanding of all types of hearing impairment, test procedures, and standard threshold shift calculations Protocols for comprehensive audiological, tinnitus, and auditory processing evaluations Clinical pathways and follow-up action steps when a standard threshold shift is confirmed, including decisions about worker compensation in occupational settings Assessment of the effectiveness of a wide range of hearing conservation programs and correction of deficiencies, along with training, educational, and motivational techniques The most current information about hearing protection and enhancement devices, related regulations, selection and fitting, and training workers in how to use them for optimal results A set of discussion questions at the end of each chapter that stimulate review and classroom dialogue Comprehensive in scope, easily accessible, and useful to both clinicians and investigators,Hearing Conservation: In Occupational, Recreational, Education, and Home Settings is essential for audiologists, occupational hearing conservationists, otolaryngologists, internists, occupational nurses, noise control engineers, and any other practitioner who plays a role in developing, implementing, and maintaining hearing conservation measures. It is also an excellent text for graduate level audiology courses in hearing conservation.