PMID: 8602542Jan 1, 1994Paper

Knowledge and attitudes of a group of South African mine workers towards noise induced hearing loss and the use of hearing protective devices

The South African Journal of Communication Disorders. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Kommunikasieafwykings
E Kahan, E Ross

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitudes of a group of mine workers regarding noise induced hearing loss and the use of hearing protective devices. These aims were investigated via a questionnaire administered in a group setting to 55 underground mine workers. The main finding that emerged from the study was that respondents were poorly informed regarding the fact that noise was a health hazard. Furthermore, the knowledge that respondents did possess, appeared to have been derived from the personal experience of working in noisy environments for many years, rather than from educational input. Contrary to expectations, respondents did not view deafness as a status symbol but rather as a negative attribute. Consequently, they were motivated to protect themselves from hearing impairment and to be educated about hearing and the effects of noise. The mine workers complained about discomfort when wearing hearing protective devices as well as feelings of insecurity due to inhibition of communication and the inability to hear warning signals. For these reasons, noise protection was mainly worn in situations perceived as noisy by workers themselves. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for the clinica...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Auditory Perception

Auditory perception is the ability to receive and interpret information attained by the ears. Here is the latest research on factors and underlying mechanisms that influence auditory perception.

Related Papers

International Journal of Audiology
Eva B SvenssonAnn-Christin Johnson
The South African Journal of Communication Disorders. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Kommunikasieafwykings
K Keith, E Ross
The South African Journal of Communication Disorders. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Kommunikasieafwykings
M Swidler, E Ross
Folia Phoniatrica Et Logopaedica : Official Organ of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)
Tanya M Klugman, Eleanor Ross
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved