Experience and Awareness of Health Managers, Administrators, and Workers on a Hearing Conservation Program in Korea: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the experience and awareness of a hearing conservation program to explore its activation plan. Three focus group discussions were conducted with five health managers, five labor supervisors, and five workers. A single in-depth interview was conducted with a health manager. Since hearing loss has a significant influence on the quality of life of workers, all participants recognized the importance of management. Although the need for hearing conservation programs was acknowledged, the participants had negative views about their effectiveness. Most health managers have not been able to demonstrate tangible results from their efforts to solve hearing problems, and they have been unable to demand that their employers actively invest resources and personnel in solving or preventing hearing problems. The participants in this study did not entirely understand the hearing conservation program, negative comments suggested that it is impossible to eliminate noise sources from the workplace, and measures for noise reduction would reduce work efficiency. This study can be supplied not only as a basis for reidentifying the real problems of the hearing conservation program but also for the tailored implementation method of future hearing conservation programs at each worksite.

Qualitative Research in Healthcare: Necessity and Characteristics

“…Quantitative research, which focuses on hypothesis validation, such as the superiority of specific treatments or the effectiveness of specific policies, and the generalization of findings, has been the primary research methodology in the field of healthcare. Qualitative research has been mostly applied for studies such as subjective disease experiences and attitudes with respect to health-related patient quality of life [10][11][12], experiences and perceptions regarding the use of healthcare services [13][14][15], and assessments of the quality of care [16,17]. Moreover, qualitative research has focused on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, disabled [18][19][20], minorities, and socially underprivileged with specific experiences [21,22].…”

Effectiveness of a Novel Index System in Preventing Early Hearing Loss among Furniture Industry Skills Training Students in Malaysia

“…A discussion with the top management on the outcome of pre-HCP revealed that the management was not aware of the obligation to conduct HCP in the institution. Little to no awareness and knowledge on noise regulation and HCP among the management and educators in the institution significantly affects the HCP compliance [34,63]. The management admitted that some of the preventive measures were implemented to comply with general safety regulations and not noise regulation specifically.…”

“…Small and medium industries (SMI) employers dutifully provide HPDs, but neglect other components of HCP, especially noise control measures [32][33][34]. The employers are unaware that the effectiveness of one size to fit everyone HPD in protecting users against harmful noise remains questionable.…”