Prevalence of Hearing Loss and Perceptions of Hearing Health and Protection among Florida Firefighters
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15508704 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Barbara Millet (0000-0002-2618-2186, University of Miami, corresponding author), Hillary Snapp (0000-0002-2000-5357, University of Miami), Suhrud M Rajguru (0000-0001-5953-8516, University of Miami), Natasha Schaefer Solle (0000-0001-8166-2732, University of Miami) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 3826-3826 |
| Publication date | 2023-02-21 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph20053826 |
| PMID | 36900832 |
| OpenAlex | W4321497431 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 40 |
Firefighters are exposed to extensive hazardous noise while on the job, both during routine tasks at the station and when responding to calls. However, little is known about firefighters' occupational noise hazards. This study employed mixed methods, including focus groups, a survey, and audiometric testing, to identify sources of noise in the firefighters' work environment, determine hearing protective strategies, discern firefighters' perceptions of occupational noise exposure and impacts to their health, and quantify the prevalence of hearing loss among South Florida firefighters. A total of 6 senior officers served in an expert panel, 12 participated in focus groups, 300 completed the survey, and 214 received audiometric tests. Most firefighters were unaware of the risk and their departments' policies, and did not participate in hearing protection practices and avoided using hearing protection devices, which they believed impede team communication and situational awareness. Nearly 30% of participating firefighters showed mild to profound hearing loss, a prevalence that is considerably worse than expected by normal aging alone. Educating firefighters about noise-induced hearing loss early in their careers may have significant health implications for their future. These findings provide insights for developing technologies and programs to mitigate the effects of noise exposure in the firefighting population
Audiology · Business · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Environmental health · Firefighting · Focus group · Hearing loss · Hearing protection · Industrial noise · Noise (video · Noise exposure · Noise-induced hearing loss · Occupational safety and health · Perception · Personal protective equipment · Population · Computer Science · Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation · Hearing, Cochlea, Tinnitus, Genetics · Medicine · Noise Effects and Management · Psychology
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Tinnitus and Self-Perceived Hearing Handicap in Firefighters
Prevalence of Hearing Loss by Severity in the United States
| Highly cited | No |
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