Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) continues to be one of the most common occupational disorders, even inworkplaces with OSHA-compliant hearing conservation programs (HCPs). Prevention of occupationalhearing loss and development of better tools to assess HCP effectiveness are top priorities of theNational Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) for manufacturing. This proposal will build on a uniquerelationship between the research team and a major manufacturing company to develop acomprehensive, 'mixed method' approach for assessing HCP effectiveness. This research will alsoexamine the effect of innovative technologies for hearing loss prevention that have been implemented insome study facilities. The study aims are to 1) recruit 10 locations and determine observed vs. expectedrates of high frequency hearing loss for workers at each facility, 2) Perform quantitative analyses of thefacility audiometric databases, including proposed ANSI methods for assessment of HCPeffectiveness, 3) perform onsite qualitative analyses of HCP components using focus groups andinterviews, and 4) combine and compare quantitative and qualitative assessments using mixedmethods and multivariate approaches. This research will result in the development of a practical tool forassessing hearing conservation effectiveness and enhanced prevention of noise induced hearing loss.

Public Health Relevance

This research addresses an urgent need to better assess and improve hearing conservation programsnationally. It has the potential to affect daily hearing conservation practice affecting millions of noise exposedworkers in this country. The results of this study could have major research to practice (r2p) implications forhearing conservation; identifying important new opportunities for the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss;one of the most prevalent occupational diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01OH010132-03S2
Application #
8875972
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZOH1-EEO (52))
Program Officer
Inserra, Steve
Project Start
2013-09-01
Project End
2015-08-31
Budget Start
2013-09-01
Budget End
2014-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$357,885
Indirect Cost
$63,761
Name
University of Washington
Department
Type
DUNS #
605799469
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
Sayler, Stephanie K; Rabinowitz, Peter M; Cantley, Linda F et al. (2018) Costs and effectiveness of hearing conservation programs at 14 US metal manufacturing facilities. Int J Audiol 57:S3-S11
Tessier-Sherman, Baylah; Galusha, Deron; Cantley, Linda F et al. (2017) Occupational noise exposure and risk of hypertension in an industrial workforce. Am J Ind Med 60:1031-1038
Cantley, Linda F; Galusha, Deron; Cullen, Mark R et al. (2015) Association between ambient noise exposure, hearing acuity, and risk of acute occupational injury. Scand J Work Environ Health 41:75-83
Cantley, Linda F; Galusha, Deron; Cullen, Mark R et al. (2015) Does tinnitus, hearing asymmetry, or hearing loss predispose to occupational injury risk? Int J Audiol 54 Suppl 1:S30-6