Management of occupational noise induced hearing loss in the mining sector in South Africa: Where are the audiologists?

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to explore the scope of practice for occupational audiologists in the mining industry and the audiologists' involvement in hearing conservation programmes in South African mines. Additionally, this study investigated the mining industry's role in the audiologists' involvement, and assessed the audiologists' levels of preparedness for working in occupational audiology. Methods: In-depth, qualitative telephone and face-to face interviews were conducted with seven occupational audiologists involved in the management of occupational, noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) in the South African mining sector. Snowball sampling was utilized to recruit possible participants for this study. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: The following themes were identified: scope-context misalignment, juniorization of the experts, audiologists are important... but for what?, and limited training in occupational audiology. Conclusions: Our evidence highlights important gaps in HCPs in South Africa. The fact that the audiologists responsible for the management of ONIHL are only minimally and peripherally involved may play a significant role in the lack of progress reported in the management of ONIHL in the South African mining sector.

Workplace noise exposure and the prevalence and 10-year incidence of age-related hearing loss

“…Primary care physicians should aim to enquire about patient's noise exposure and to refer patients for elementary hearing conservation services (audiometry, counselling, and personal hearing protective devices) [25]. Moreover, audiologists and otolaryngologists see patients who have significant unprotected occupational and non-occupational noise exposure, and as such they play an important role in providing counselling, hearing protection and periodic audiometry for these patients [26]. Finally, clinical interventions such as the use of magnesium or antioxidants such as N-acetylecysteine for preventing noise-induced hearing loss may also hold some promise in the treatment of age-related hearing loss [7,27].…”

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

“…It is therefore possible that our study population is still exposed to occupational noise, even with legislated hearing conservation programmes. One possible contributor to the lack of progress towards the elimination of occupational NIHL may be the fact that occupational audiologists are only marginally involved in the development and implementation of hearing conservation programmes (Moroe & Khoza-Shangase, 2018). Kanji et al (2018) recommend that the occupational audiologists in South African mines should play an important role in individualised education during audiological testing in order to enhance the effectiveness of hearing conservation programmes.…”

Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss in the Mining Sector in South Africa: How Are Mineworkers Trained—Perspective from Occupational Health Personnels

“…Audiologists are responsible for educating and training mineworkers on the negative impact of ONIHL. However, in South Africa, evidence indicates that there are a few audiologists employed in the mining sector as mines prefer services of audiometrists who are considered more cost effective [30]. Edwards [6] commented that mines have a lack of qualified professionals, who possess knowledge and skills on how to teach adults to achieve health promotion and behaviour change.…”

“…In 2018, a study conducted on the management of ONIHL in the mining sector revealed awareness training of mineworkers as one of the successes realized by the mining sector [7].…”