Hazardous noise exposure : is it an occupational or social risk?

Abstract

Noise can be hazardous to hearing health, and hazardous noise levels exist everywhere around us. There are means to protect one's hearing, which at times may be uncomfortable or unfashionable. Prevention of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) often focuses on occupational noise exposure, however prevention of NIHL arising out of noise exposure related to leisure activities is often overlooked. Literature Review Prevalence of NIHL and related risks is consistently increasing, with an estimated 10 million Europeans being exposed to ambient noise levels which may be hazardous to their hearing health. Although specific legislation on occupational noise exposure exists, legislation on environmental noise exposure is fragmented under various legislation. Various studies have identified noise levels which may lead to or contribute towards NIHL in different social or leisure settings. Literature shows that participating in such activities without taking the necessary precautions may also contribute towards NIHL. Aims & Objectives This study was aimed at identifying where hazardous noise exposure occurs (i.e. at work or out of work) with the objective of evaluating the people's perception of hazardous noise exposure and NIHL, and the people's perception about use of ear protection. Research Design This study applied a cross-sectional approach using a web-based survey to gather data from students of the University of Malta. The questionnaire involved a number of questions aimed at evaluating the proposed objectives and testing the hypothesis that hazardous noise exposure is also present out of work, that people underestimate NIHL risks, and that the younger generation is more prone to NIHL. Results Results suggest that exposure to hazardous noise levels which may be detrimental to hearing health are also present during leisure activities. Results also suggest that although people may be lll aware of the hazards involved, they still do not protect their hearing, and that the younger generation is more prone to exposure than the other generations. Conclusion This study confirmed all hypotheses tested; confirming that hazardous noise exposure is not limited to the workplace, the population underestimates the risks of NIHL, and that the population is not keen to use ear protection even if aware of the benefit that such equipment provides.