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. 2018 Jan;61(1):42-50.
doi: 10.1002/ajim.22792. Epub 2017 Nov 20.

Prevalence of hearing loss among noise-exposed workers within the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sector, 2003-2012

Elizabeth A Masterson  1 , Christa L Themann  1 , Geoffrey M Calvert  1
Affiliations

Prevalence of hearing loss among noise-exposed workers within the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sector, 2003-2012

Elizabeth A Masterson et al. Am J Ind Med. 2018 Jan.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss among noise-exposed US workers within the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting (AFFH) sector.

Methods: Audiograms for 1.4 million workers (17 299 within AFFH) from 2003 to 2012 were examined. Prevalence, and the adjusted risk for hearing loss as compared with the reference industry (Couriers and Messengers), were estimated.

Results: The overall AFFH sector prevalence was 15% compared to 19% for all industries combined, but many of the AFFH sub-sectors exceeded the overall prevalence. Forestry sub-sector prevalences were highest with Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products at 36% and Timber Tract Operations at 22%. The Aquaculture sub-sector had the highest adjusted risk of all AFFH sub-sectors (PR = 1.70; CI = 1.42-2.04).

Conclusions: High risk industries within the AFFH sector need continued hearing conservation efforts. Barriers to hearing loss prevention and early detection of hearing loss need to be recognized and addressed.

Keywords: aquaculture; fishing; forestry; hazardous noise; material hearing impairment; noise-induced hearing loss; occupational hearing loss; prevalence; surveillance.

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Conflict of interest statement

DISCLOSURE BY AJIM EDITOR OF RECORD

Steven B. Markowitz declares that he has no competing or conflicts of interest in the review and publication decision regarding this article.

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