Summary: A new study found that 25% of noise-exposed U.S. utility workers experience hearing loss, with hydroelectric power generation workers facing the highest risk at 37%.
Takeaways:
- Hearing loss affects 25% of noise-exposed utility workers, significantly higher than the 20% seen in noise-exposed workers in all industries combined.
- Workers in hydroelectric power generation and steam/air-conditioning supply are at the highest risk, with hearing loss prevalence reaching 37% and 29%, respectively.
- The study calls for urgent improvements in hearing conservation strategies to protect utility workers from further risk.
A new study found that 25% of noise-exposed U.S. utility workers experience hearing loss, a rate significantly higher than the 20% prevalence seen in noise-exposed workers in all industries combined.
The research, which analyzed audiograms from 13,595 utility workers as part of a larger cohort of 1.3 million workers between 2010 and 2019, highlighted certain subsectors with especially high risk.
Workers in hydroelectric power generation had the highest prevalence, with 37% experiencing hearing loss, followed by those in steam and air-conditioning supply (29%).
The study emphasizes that utility workers, often overlooked in hearing loss prevention efforts, face some of the highest risks and are in urgent need of enhanced hearing conservation strategies.
Researchers call for further investigation into effective protection methods for this sector.
Further reading: Compound AC102 Shows Promise in Restoring Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Featured image: Dam and turbines of a hydroelectric power station with falling water flows and woman worker. Photo: Dreamstime
