SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS最新文献

{"title":"Feedback-based noise management matrix in action.","authors":"Nomfundo F Moroe, Katijah Khoza-Shangase, Milka Madahana, Otis Nyandoro","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.678","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.678","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This article presents the details and findings of a practical implementation of a preliminary model for use in hearing conservation programmes (HCPs) in the mining sector in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The implementation is based on a previously published model, called feedback-based noise monitoring model (FBNMM), and represents its implementation as a tool of predicting occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL), as well as monitoring and managing HCPs in the mining sector within the South African context.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The article, utilising real miners' data, demonstrates this basic static feedback model with its practical applications such as estimating, monitoring and providing quantitative information to aid miners, mining administrators and policymakers in decision-making around HCPs, as recommended in the previous 2019 publication by Moroe et al. This study was conducted in a South African platinum mine. Evidence on the model's sensitivity and practicability in early identification, intervention and management of ONIHL in the workplace is presented.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings show how the use of the model within an HCP viewed as a complex intervention can allow for early prediction of ONIHL, consequently affording more accurate early intervention as part of preventive audiology within the health and safety goals of mines.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The feedback-based model should be a useful tool for successful implementation and monitoring of HCPs within South African mines.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"67 2","pages":"e1-e9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7203224/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37798001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Engineering noise control for mines: Lessons from the world.","authors":"Milka C Madahana, Otis T Nyandoro, Nomfundo F Moroe","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.684","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.684","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The main objective of this article was to present some of the engineering noise control methods that are currently being used across the world in the mining industry, while at the same time interrogating noise control measures that could be applied to effectively reduce noise emissions from the equipment utilised within South African mines.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>A brief summary of the hearing conservation programmes used in South Africa is presented. Summarised research on the use of engineering noise control in South Africa is also presented, with an overview of the various engineering noise control methods applied across the world in dealing with occupational noise.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>For illustrative purposes, case studies were used to show how engineering noise controls could be used to reduce the noise levels and risks within this context.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Some of the case studies used have cited a reduction in the noise intensity emitted by machinery from a range of 93 dBA - 104 dBA to a range of 90 dBA - 94 dBA, demonstrating quite a significant reduction in the noise emission of the equipment. This article further provides recommendations on how South African mines could contextualise these methods.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>One of the key recommendations is encouraging the South African mining industry towards the documenting and publishing of those engineering noise control methodologies that have proven to be effective for shared best practice. A need was identified for extensive research to be conducted and documented evidence to be made available to assist the South African mining industry with locating and assessing current engineering controls available in South Africa. Machines and processes that require noise control should be identified and, lastly, the current barriers to the use of engineering noise control methodologies should be identified, with the main goals of finding ways to overcome the noise challenges in the mines.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"67 2","pages":"e1-e5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2020-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7136811/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37798000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Middle ear pathologies in adults within the mining industry: A systematic review.","authors":"Ben Sebothoma","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.679","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.679","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Literature suggests that risk factors for middle ear pathologies, such as traumatic injuries and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), exist in mines. However, studies on hearing health in mines seem to focus primarily on occupational noise-induced hearing loss and ignore middle ear pathologies. As a result, there is little documented evidence on the trends of middle ear pathologies in mine workers.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to explore and document published evidence reflecting trends in middle ear pathologies in mine workers.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A systematic literature review of studies that reported middle ear pathologies in mine workers was conducted. Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, PsychInfo and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies in English published between January 1994 and December 2018 and reporting on trends in middle ear pathologies in mine workers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two research studies met the selection criteria and were included for analysis. One research study used tympanometry with 226 Hz probe tone, while another study used interviews to determine the presence of middle ear pathologies. While these studies indicate that middle ear pathologies exist in individuals working in mines, the evidence is limited.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While current data indicate that individuals working in mines may present with middle ear pathologies of varying severities, the evidence is too small to provide a clear trend of middle ear pathologies in individuals working in mines. Therefore, the current limited data suggest a need for further studies to examine middle ear pathologies in individuals working in mines.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"67 2","pages":"e1-e5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.679","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37797999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupational noise induced hearing loss in the mining sector in South Africa: Perspectives from occupational health practitioners on how mineworkers are trained.","authors":"Nomfundo F Moroe","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.676","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.676","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of occupational health practitioners (OHPs) regarding education and training of mineworkers on occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL) and its impact on mineworkers' health. Qualitative, in-depth telephonic and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 16 OHPs. Purposive and snowball sampling was utilized to recruit participants. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Three themes emerged from the data: seeing is believing, not my department, barriers and facilitators to raising awareness (with two subthemes -blame it on the language and level of education, and compensation pay-outs). Superficially, OHPs believe that mineworkers are aware of the impact of noise health, however, the OHPs are not knowledgeable on how the mineworkers are educated on ONIHL and its latent consequences. Furthermore, language, low levels of education and literacy, as well as financial constraints are factors found to affect education and training of the mineworkers about the risks of ONIHL. If the mining industry is committed in eliminating ONIHL, they should prioritize health literacy, and mines need to have an effective awareness raising plan in place at every mine. This plan should consider diversity of the workforce, including linguistic as well as educational level diversity.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"67 2","pages":"e1-e6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.676","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37797998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estimating miners at risk for occupational noise-induced hearing loss: A review of data from a South African platinum mine.","authors":"Liepollo Ntlhakana,&nbsp;Gill Nelson,&nbsp;Katijah Khoza-Shangase","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.677","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.677","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is a complex, but preventable, health problem for South African miners. Meticulously collected data should be made use of to design interventions to address this health issue.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives: &lt;/strong&gt;A single mine's electronic data were reviewed in a secondary data review to determine, from the records, factors that hearing conservation practitioners deemed useful for identifying 'at risk' miners and to establish factors that would pave the way for the integration of the 2014 hearing conservation programme (HCP) milestones into the mine's current proactive data management system (PDMS). The objectives of this article were to establish how miners with published risk factors associated with ONIHL were managed by the mine's hearing conservation practitioners as part of the HCP; to determine if the mine's hearing conservation practitioners could estimate miners' risk of ONIHL using baseline percentage loss of hearing (PLH) as a hearing conservation measure; and to estimate the contribution of noise exposure to ONIHL risk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Method: &lt;/strong&gt;In a secondary data review design, records in a platinum mine's two electronic data sets were reviewed: the first contained diagnostic audiometry records (N = 1938) and the second comprised a subset of miners diagnosed with ONIHL (n = 73). Data were available for the period 2014-2017 and included demographic, occupational, audiometry and ONIHL diagnosis data. Miners' risk factors associated with ONIHL were identified using the functional risk management structure. A logistic regression model was used for the baseline PLH margins of 0% - 40% (in 5% increments) to estimate the adjusted predictions for miners at risk of developing ONIHL. The contribution of noise exposure as a risk for ONIHL was estimated using a two-way sample proportion test.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The mean age of the miners (all male candidates) was 47 ± 8.5 years; more than 80% had worked for longer than 10 years. Valid baseline audiometry records were available for only 34% (n = 669) of the miners. Miners with a 0% baseline PLH had a 20% predicted risk of ONIHL, and a 45% predicted risk if they had a 40% baseline PLH - these employees were referred. The noise exposure risk rankings revealed that 64.9% (n = 1250) of the miners were exposed to 91 dBA - 105 dBA noise exposure levels and that 59 (80.8%) diagnosed with ONIHL were exposed to noise levels of up to 104 dBA.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;These findings indicate significant gaps in the mine's PDMS, requiring attention. Nonetheless, the mine's current data capturing may be used to identify miners at risk of developing ONIHL. The PLH referral cut-off point (≥2.5%) used by the mine's hearing conservation practitioners, when used in conjunction with baseline PLH shifts, was the major factor in early identification of ONIHL in miners exposed to ≥85 dBA noise. An inclusive integr","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"67 2","pages":"e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.677","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37797997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A critical analysis of the current South African occupational health law and hearing loss.","authors":"Warren G Manning, Mershen Pillay","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.694","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.694","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Occupational health laws must recognise the constitutional requirement of substantive equality, and its role in 'the progressive realisation' of the rights provided by Section 27.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Our main aim is to review current South African occupational health law (vis-à-vis workers' constitutional rights) in relation to hearing loss. We focus on gaps in the law regarding occupational hearing loss in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Our review of legal texts relies on experience as a methodological device augmented by the use of a critical science. Guided by literature or evidence synthesis methodologies, South African primary and secondary laws were reviewed along with unpublished (non-peer-reviewed) grey literature. An established six-step framework guided our thematic analysis. A semantic approach aided the critical interpretation of data using the Bill of Rights as a core analytical framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes are discussed: (1) separate and unequal regulatory frameworks; (2) monologic foregrounding of noise; (3) minimisation of vestibular disorders; and (4) dilution of ototoxic agents. The highly divided legal framework of occupational health and safety in South Africa perpetuates a monologic 'excessive noise-hearing loss' paradigm that has implications for the rights of all workers to equal protections and benefits. There is a need to harmonise occupational health and safety law, and expand the scope of hearing-protection legislation to include the full range of established ototoxic hazards.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Occupational audiology is dominated by efforts to address noise-induced hearing loss. A 'noise' despite the reality of workers' exposures to a range of ototoxic stressors that act synergistically on the ear, resulting in audio-vestibular disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"67 2","pages":"e1-e11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7136813/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37797996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupational noise and age: A longitudinal study of hearing sensitivity as a function of noise exposure and age in South African gold mine workers.","authors":"Leoni M Grobler, De Wet Swanepoel, Susan Strauss, Piet Becker, Zahan Eloff","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.687","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.687","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A relationship exists between occupational noise exposure and age, which remains poorly understood.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between hearing loss and age over time.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Audiological data from 2583 mine workers in South Africa were utilised. Data were received from a non-noise exposed group (NNEG) (n = 951) and a noise exposed group (NEG) (≥85 dBA) (n = 1632). Data comprised a low-frequency average (LFA512) (average of audiological thresholds for 0.5 kHz, 1 kHz and 2 kHz) and high-frequency average (HFA346) (average of audiological thresholds for 3 kHz, 4 kHz and 6 kHz). Data were compared by using mixed-effects regression analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Base threshold values were higher for the NEG than for the NNEG across frequencies. All year-to-year increases in mean hearing thresholds were statistically significant (p 0.01). When correcting for age, increases in mean hearing thresholds were higher for the NEG than for the NNEG for HFA346 (3.5 dB vs. 2.9 dB decline over a 4-year period) but similar for LFA512 (0.6 dB vs. 0.7 dB decline). Uncorrected for age, increases in mean hearing thresholds were higher than when age was corrected for.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Age and occupational noise exposure influence hearing thresholds over time. The continued increase in hearing thresholds of the NEG above that of the NNEG can be related to ineffective noise management programmes and/or the fact that early noise exposure leads to a higher burden of hearing loss over time - even after noise exposure had stopped.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"67 2","pages":"e1-e7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2020-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7136817/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37797995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemicals, noise and occupational hearing health in South Africa: A mapping study.","authors":"Mershen Pillay","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.693","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.693","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chemical exposure leading to ototoxicity is a fresh challenge for occupational healthcare in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The critical question is: 'what is known about occupational ototoxic chemicals with or without noise exposure in South Africa?'</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This qualitative, mapping study was completed with published (peer-reviewed) and grey literature from 1979-2019. Data was analysed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses: extension for Scoping Reviews and the Nursing and Allied Health Resources Section subcommittee on Mapping the Literature of Nursing and Allied Health (adapted). Numerical analysis of article type was completed, but the primary focus was on capturing patterns/trends using thematic analysis and ideology critique.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The African Journal of Disability, African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine, South African Medical Journal, The South African Journal of Communication Disorders [SAJCD] and Health SA Gesondheid) were included with the SAJCD containing one relevant item and seventeen other items were analysed. Research focusses on the mining sector (gold) in Gauteng, and ototoxic medication (tuberculosis and/or human immunodeficiency virus) take precedence. In KwaZulu-Natal, the focus is on commerce and industry across formal and informal sectors. There are no governmental policies that refer to chemical ototoxicity. Occupational hearing loss is configured exclusively on the meme that noise exposure is the only toxin.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Chemical exposures are only just beginning to be recognised as ototoxic in South Africa. Hearing conservation programmes should always serve the workers' interests and never bow down to the econometric interests of employers.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"67 2","pages":"e1-e11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.693","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37796987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does occupational noise matter amongst manufacturing (small and medium enterprises) workers? Empirical evidence from Magaba, Mbare, Zimbabwe.","authors":"Miston Mapuranga,&nbsp;Eugine T Maziriri,&nbsp;Ralebitso K Letshaba,&nbsp;Anos Chitamba","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.680","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.680","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The significance of how occupational noise can influence attitudes towards occupational noise exposure, susceptibility to hearing loss and job performance has generally been neglected in the past studies.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to determine the impact of occupational noise on attitudes towards occupational noise exposure, susceptibility to hearing loss and job performance of manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) workers in Zimbabwe.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A survey was conducted involving 250 respondents, including manufacturing SME workers, and the hypotheses were analysed by applying structural equation modelling.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Occupational noise had a positive and significant effect on attitudes towards occupational noise exposure and perceived susceptibility to hearing loss amongst manufacturing SME workers. In addition, attitudes towards exposure to occupational noise and the perceived susceptibility of hearing loss have had a positive and significant impact on manufacturing SME workers' job performance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The novelty of the research is its analysis of occupational noise as an indicator of attitudes towards occupational noise exposure and susceptibility to hearing loss as well as job performance. This study provides practitioners with beneficial implications. Collective knowledge on occupational noise could help manufacturing SME managers in recognising the perceptions of employees on occupational noise and how it ultimately affects job performance. Moreover, this study is intended to add new knowledge to the current body of African occupational noise literature - a context that has not received much research attention in developing countries.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"67 2","pages":"e1-e11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.680","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37703768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Classification of audiograms in the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss: A clinical perspective.","authors":"Zumbi Musiba","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.691","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.691","url":null,"abstract":"Background Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major contributor to disabling hearing loss. Engineering controls are superior to hearing protection devices (HPDs) in prevention of occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL), although the latter are more commonly used. Effective use of audiometry requires quick categorization of audiograms. The UK Health and Safety Executive (UKHSE) scheme for the categorization of audiograms is a tool that accomplishes this. Objectives The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the classification of audiograms and build a case for the preferential use of the UKHSE’s scheme to achieve this. Method The author provides a literature review of methods of classification for audiograms and uses a case study in a Tanzanian mining company to demonstrate how the UKHSE scheme was successfully used to enhance the existing hearing protection program. Results The literature review identified several methods of classification based on a variation of threshold shifts from baseline. The difference was in the frequency and level of threshold shift used to determine hearing loss, and the recommended course of action once hearing loss is detected. The UKHSE scheme is simple and provides guidance on steps to be taken thereafter. This was demonstrated in a case study among miners in a mining company in Tanzania. Conclusion The UKHSE audiogram classification scheme has the advantage of providing a straightforward, easy to determine classification that allows for intervention appropriate to the findings.","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"67 2","pages":"e1-e5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.691","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37703769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}