A proposed preliminary model for monitoring hearing conservation programmes in the mining sector in South Africa

Moroe, Nomfundo; Khoza-Shangase, Katijah; Madahana, Milka C.I.; Nyandoro, Otis T.

doi:10.17159/2411-9717/18/016/2019

Cited by 9 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…However, current literature like that quoted above indicates that hearing conservation programmes are not achieving the anticipated outcomes within the South African mining sector. This is despite the efforts focussed on the management of NIHL (Moroe, Khoza-Shangase, Madahona, & Nyandoro, 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational noise and age: A longitudinal study of hearing sensitivity as a function of noise exposure and age in South African gold mine workers

Grobler

Swanepoel

Strauss

et al. 2020

South African Journal of Communication Disorders

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Background: A relationship exists between occupational noise exposure and age, which remains poorly understood. Objectives:The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between hearing loss and age over time.Method: Audiological data from 2583 mine workers in South Africa were utilised. Data were received from a non-noise exposed group (NNEG) (n = 951) and a noise exposed group (NEG) (≥85 dBA) (n = 1632). Data comprised a low-frequency average (LFA512) (average of audiological thresholds for 0.5 kHz, 1 kHz and 2 kHz) and high-frequency average (HFA346) (average of audiological thresholds for 3 kHz, 4 kHz and 6 kHz). Data were compared by using mixed-effects regression analysis.Results: Base threshold values were higher for the NEG than for the NNEG across frequencies. All year-to-year increases in mean hearing thresholds were statistically significant (p < 0.01). When correcting for age, increases in mean hearing thresholds were higher for the NEG than for the NNEG for HFA346 (3.5 dB vs. 2.9 dB decline over a 4-year period) but similar for LFA512 (0.6 dB vs. 0.7 dB decline). Uncorrected for age, increases in mean hearing thresholds were higher than when age was corrected for. Conclusion:Age and occupational noise exposure influence hearing thresholds over time. The continued increase in hearing thresholds of the NEG above that of the NNEG can be related to ineffective noise management programmes and/or the fact that early noise exposure leads to a higher burden of hearing loss over time -even after noise exposure had stopped.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational noise and age: A longitudinal study of hearing sensitivity as a function of noise exposure and age in South African gold mine workers

Grobler

Swanepoel

Strauss

et al. 2020

South African Journal of Communication Disorders

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“…The seven pillars of HCPs as documented by Moroe, Khoza-Shangase, Madahana and Nyandoro (2019) are shown in Figure 1.…”

Section: A Brief Summary Of Hearing Conservation Programme Pillarsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Engineering noise control for mines: Lessons from the world

Madahana¹,

Nyandoro²,

Moroe³

2020

South African Journal of Communication Disorders

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Results: Some of the case studies used have cited a reduction in the noise intensity emitted by machinery from a range of 93 dBA -104 dBA to a range of 90 dBA -94 dBA, demonstrating quite a significant reduction in the noise emission of the equipment. This article further provides recommendations on how South African mines could contextualise these methods. Conclusion:One of the key recommendations is encouraging the South African mining industry towards the documenting and publishing of those engineering noise control methodologies that have proven to be effective for shared best practice. A need was identified for extensive research to be conducted and documented evidence to be made available to assist the South African mining industry with locating and assessing current engineering controls available in South Africa. Machines and processes that require noise control should be identified and, lastly, the current barriers to the use of engineering noise control methodologies should be identified, with the main goals of finding ways to overcome the noise challenges in the mines.

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“…There is, however, a plethora of studies that have examined the efficacy of HPDs and hearing surveillance; two methods lower down, if not at the bottom of, the hierarchy of controls. This trend of hierarchy reversal has its roots in the significant challenges with instituting controls higher up the ladder (Moroe, Khoza-Shangase, Madahana, & Nyandoro, 2019). Because HPDs seem to be the bedrock of hearing conservation programmes (HCPs), this article seeks to provide an overview on classifications of audiograms, with a case built for the use of a specific classification -the UK Health and Safety Executive (UKHSE) scheme for the categorisation of audiograms as a valuable tool for the early recognition and early intervention for protection from ONIHL.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Classification of audiograms in the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss: A clinical perspective

Musiba

2020

SAJCD

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Background: Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major contributor to disabling hearing loss. Engineering controls are superior to hearing protection devices (HPDs) in prevention of occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL), although the latter are more commonly used. Effective use of audiometry requires quick categorization of audiograms. The UK Health and Safety Executive (UKHSE) scheme for the categorization of audiograms is a tool that accomplishes this.Objectives: The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the classification of audiograms and build a case for the preferential use of the UKHSE’s scheme to achieve this.Method: The author provides a literature review of methods of classification for audiograms and uses a case study in a Tanzanian mining company to demonstrate how the UKHSE scheme was successfully used to enhance the existing hearing protection program.Results: The literature review identified several methods of classification based on a variation of threshold shifts from baseline. The difference was in the frequency and level of threshold shift used to determine hearing loss, and the recommended course of action once hearing loss is detected. The UKHSE scheme is simple and provides guidance on steps to be taken thereafter. This was demonstrated in a case study among miners in a mining company in Tanzania.Conclusion: The UKHSE audiogram classification scheme has the advantage of providing a straightforward, easy to determine classification that allows for intervention appropriate to the findings.

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A proposed preliminary model for monitoring hearing conservation programmes in the mining sector in South Africa

Cited by 9 publications

References 18 publications

Occupational noise and age: A longitudinal study of hearing sensitivity as a function of noise exposure and age in South African gold mine workers

Occupational noise and age: A longitudinal study of hearing sensitivity as a function of noise exposure and age in South African gold mine workers

Engineering noise control for mines: Lessons from the world

Classification of audiograms in the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss: A clinical perspective

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