scholarly journals Modeling of Woodworkers’ Exposure to Occupational Noises by Integrating Frequency Spectra Generated by Power Tools: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 6453
Author(s):  
Yu-Ping Zheng ◽  
Yow-Jer Juang ◽  
Lih-Ming Yiin
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Tool Use ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Frequency Spectra ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Circular Saw ◽  
Noise Characteristics ◽  
Power Tools ◽  
Convenient Dose

Woodwork is one of the occupations with high levels of noises. This pilot study attempted to simulate woodworkers’ occupational noise exposure by integrating frequency spectra measured from individual power tools with the respective time of tool use. Five volunteering woodworkers participated in the study, and each wore a noise dosimeter with 1/1 octave-band analysis during the work for exposure assessment. The information of use of tools and time of tool use was recorded by an on-site technician. Frequency spectra of common power tools, including circular saw, electric curve saw, orbit sander, router trimmer, drill machine, pillar drill machine, nail gun, and air compressor, were also individually measured by the dosimeter. Monte Carlo simulation was used to simulate the distances between tools and workers, which were used to determine noise levels in the modeling. The personal measurements of noise exposure were around 80 dBA with peaks locating between 1 and 4 kHz and were fairly matched by the simulated results. This pilot modeling is seemingly feasible and promising, and noise exposure could be assessed by multiple times of tool use with known noise characteristics of the tools. The convenient dose estimates could be useful for the hearing protection of woodworkers.

scholarly journals O1B.4 Health effects of prenatal occupational noise exposure: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A5.3-A6
Author(s):  
Zara Ann Stokholm ◽  
Inge Brosbøl Iversen ◽  
Henrik Kolstad
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Congenital Malformations ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Exposure Levels

Current legislation and threshold limits for occupational noise exposure may not sufficiently account for higher vulnerability of the foetus. We conducted a systematic literature review and identified 20 relevant studies of prenatal noise exposure levels and health. Maternal tissues attenuate industrial noise by about 30 dB. The foetus responds the earliest to noise exposure from the 19th week of gestational age. There is some evidence of an increased risk of hearing loss at prenatal noise levels≥85 dBA (8 hour average) and little evidence at lower levels. Increased risks for preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age and congenital malformations are seen as single study findings at levels≥90 dBA. There is little evidence for how noise exposure may increase the risk of extra-auditive effects in the foetus. Methodological shortcomings and the scarce number of studies limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Still, we recommend pregnant women avoid working at noise levels≥85 dBA.

Attenuation of Continuous Vibration Transmission in the Hand and Arm Using Composite-Based Tool Designs

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Brisach ◽  
Matthew Griffith ◽  
Janelle Konchar ◽  
Stephen Petfield ◽  
Peter Popper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Mechanical Shock ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Noise Emission ◽  
Frequency Spectra ◽  
High Noise ◽  
Vibration Transmission ◽  
Noise Characteristics ◽  
Metal Impact

Exposure to high noise levels may be the most common occupational hazard. Recent estimates suggest that as many as 30 million Americans are exposed to noise levels greater than the current safe limits for workplaces. At current durations of exposure, it is expected that 25% of these workers will develop permanent, noise-induced hearing loss. In many of these industrial environments, high levels of vibration also exist that can lead to several injuries and ailments. To address the adverse effects associated with the use of high noise emission impact tools, a study was initiated to develop and evaluate alternate tool designs that reduce the potential for hearing loss and vibration-related injuries. Recent work has focused on integrating advanced engineering polymers (composites) into tool designs for the purpose of eliminating direct metal-to-metal impact. This approach has several significant performance advantages including reduced operator discomfort due to hand-arm mechanical shock, reduced noise, and less danger from flying metal fragments. To quantify sound emission characteristics of these new designs, continuous sound pressure, maximum sound pressure, and maximum sound pressure level were measured using an array of five precision microphones each located 1 meter from the tool. Data was sampled at 40 kHz while test subjects operate both pneumatic tools and hand-struck tools. Frequency spectra of the sound pressure signals were examined for all tool treatments, and indicate that the addition of a polymer insert between metal impact components significantly reduces noise emission, especially at higher frequencies. Sound pressure levels were reduced by as much as 4 dBA compared to conventional tool designs. Similar reductions were observed in vibration transmission in the hand and arm. As a result, tools that integrate polymer-based components may be operated for longer daily exposure times without inducing hearing loss or vibration-related injuries. Data from this study may also help auditory and ergonomic specialists in understanding impulse noise characteristics and exposure.

scholarly journals P072 The Association Between Snoring and Hearing Loss in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A44-A44
Author(s):  
E Lawton ◽  
M Jurisevic ◽  
K Hobart ◽  
J Polasek ◽  
A Fon
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Sleep Time ◽  
Sleep Apnoea ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Sleep Study ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Initial Results

Abstract Background Snoring is the commonest symptom of OSA, occurring in 70%-95% of patients. Snoring noise in severe OSA can reach, and exceed, peaks of 80 decibels(dB). This is a noise level at which permanent hearing loss can occur. Given the chronicity of OSA, patients may be exposed to harmful noise levels daily for many years. Methods All patients underwent an overnight diagnostic sleep study. Exclusion criteria included occupational noise exposure or previously diagnosed hearing loss or head injury. Calibrated and standardised Tecpel 332 Sound-Pressure-Level meters recorded quantitative sound data. In addition to standard analysis and reporting, a customised report generated snoring and sound indices during sleep time. Participants then underwent otoscopy, tympanogram and pure tone audiometric examination. Progress to Date To date 14 eligible patients have been enrolled. 3/14 have completed all investigations. 3/3 have hearing loss. AHI range was 8.5–39.5 and maximum snore sound range was 78.4–98.3dB. The average snores per hour was 340.3 and mean total snores during sleep time 1741. Mean oxygen saturation nadir 87.6%. These initial results suggest a correlation between snore noise and hearing loss. We aim to include 25 patients in this pilot study. Intended Outcome and impact We hypothesise a direct relationship between snoring loudness and exposure in patients with OSA, and hearing loss due to prolonged noise exposure. Noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible, but the extent of loss may be reduced with intervention. This pilot study has the potential to benefit patients by demonstrating the effects of snoring in OSA on hearing.

мPhysiological Assessment of Miners’ Noise Exposure and Measures for Its Prevention

2020 ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
EV Shornikova ◽  
LV Prokopenko ◽  
KS Kolikov ◽  
OI Yushkova ◽  
VN Mikhailova
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Circulatory System ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Workplace Stress ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Work Intensity ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure

Introduction: To solve the tasks of preventing occupational diseases in workers of the mining industry, it is important to substantiate physiological indicators of tension of the regulatory systems of the human body under the negative impact of industrial noise and neuro-emotional work intensity and to assess the effectiveness of hearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Our objective was to identify physiological characteristics of adverse functional changes in workers of various professions in the mining industry exposed to the combined effect of occupational noise and work intensity to substantiate the use of hearing protection devices. Materials and methods: We studied indicators of concentration of attention, short-term memory, speed of perception of visual and auditory signals, and the index of functional changes in the circulatory system reflecting negative effects of occupational noise exposure combined with work intensity on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. We assessed occupational noise exposure by the equivalent sound level on the A-scale of a sound level meter per shift, work intensity, and conducted physiological studies of mining industry employees. Results: In miners, we established a 5.6-fold decrease in concentration of attention from the initial level and a 5.9-fold increase in the index of functional changes in the circulatory system compared with operators of robotic complexes, in which all indicators varied within the physiological norm. The maximum change in the parameters indicates the work tension that was the most pronounced in miners. The same extent of workplace stress was observed in operators of mineral processing plants and engineering and technical staff exposed to similar noise levels (60-70 dB, sometimes exceeding 90 dBA), while the lowest one was observed in the operators of robotic complexes, thus indicating maintenance of a sufficient level of working capacity during the work shift. The estimated miners’ index of functional changes in the circulatory system (2.69±0.08 points) demonstrated the state of functional stress. The individual analysis indicated a significant percentage of people with reduced unsatisfactory adaptation and the state of its failure (3.0±0.05 points) in this very professional group. According to the results of establishing a causal relationship between the increase in the functional tension by indicators of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system and occupational noise levels, emotional stress and adverse shift mode, the workplace stress was justified as a marker of the combined effect of noise and intensity of the work process. Conclusions: A high level of workplace stress accompanied by intensive occupational noise and work intensity factors is an indicator of a decreasing working capacity and development of a prognostically unfavorable functional state of the human body.

Occupational Noise Exposure and Vestibular Schwannoma: A Case-Control Study in Sweden

2020 ◽  
Vol 189 (11) ◽  
pp. 1342-1347
Author(s):  
Lisa Aarhus ◽  
Kristina Kjærheim ◽  
Sanna Heikkinen ◽  
Jan Ivar Martinsen ◽  
Eero Pukkala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Vestibular Schwannoma ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Control Study

Abstract It has been suggested that the association between self-reported occupational noise exposure and vestibular schwannoma (VS), found in several studies, represents recall bias. Therefore, we aimed to study the relationship in a large case-control study using occupational noise measurements. We performed a case-control study using data from Sweden for 1,913 VS cases diagnosed in 1961–2009 and 9,566 age- and sex-matched population controls. We defined occupational history by linkage to national censuses from 1960, 1970, 1980, and 1990. We estimated occupational noise exposure for each case and control using a job-exposure matrix. There was no association between occupational noise exposure and VS. Among subjects assessed as ever exposed to occupational noise levels of ≥85 dB (214 cases and 1,142 controls), the odds ratio for VS per 5 years of exposure was 1.02 (95% confidence interval: 0.90, 1.17). Workers with noise levels of ≥85 dB for at least 15 years (5-year latency period), showed no increased risk of VS (odds ratio = 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.73, 1.31) compared with those who had never been exposed to noise levels of 75 dB or higher. In summary, our large study does not support an association between occupational noise exposure and VS.

Polymer Composite-Based Vibration and Noise Emission Controls for Hand-Struck Impact Tools

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Griffith ◽  
Daniel Brisach ◽  
Janelle Konchar ◽  
Stephen Petfield ◽  
Peter Popper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Mechanical Shock ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Noise Emission ◽  
Frequency Spectra ◽  
High Noise ◽  
Noise Characteristics ◽  
Engineering Polymers ◽  
Metal Impact

Exposure to high noise levels may be the most common occupational hazard. Recent estimates suggest that as many as 30 million Americans are exposed to noise levels greater than the current safe limits for workplaces. At current durations of exposure, it is expected that 25% of these workers will develop permanent, noise-induced hearing loss. In many of these industrial environments, high levels of vibration also exist that can lead to several injuries and ailments. To address the adverse effects associated with the use of high noise emission impact tools, a study was initiated to develop and evaluate alternate tool designs that reduce the potential for hearing loss and vibration-related injuries. Recent work has focused on integrating advanced engineering polymers (composites) into tool designs for the purpose of eliminating direct metal-to-metal impact. This approach has several significant performance advantages including reduced operator discomfort due to hand-arm mechanical shock, reduced noise, and less danger from flying metal fragments. To quantify sound emission characteristics of these new designs, continuous sound pressure, maximum sound pressure, and maximum sound pressure level were measured using an array of five precision microphones each located 1 meter from the tool. Data was sampled at 40 kHz while test subjects operate both pneumatic tools and hand-struck tools. Frequency spectra of the sound pressure signals were examined for all tool treatments, and indicate that the addition of a polymer insert between metal impact components significantly reduces noise emission, especially at higher frequencies. Similar reductions were observed in vibration transmission in the hand and arm. As a result, tools that integrate polymer-based components may be operated for longer daily exposure times without inducing hearing loss or vibration-related injuries. Data from this study may also help auditory and ergonomic specialists in understanding impulse noise characteristics and exposure.

scholarly journals Flour Mill Workers Occupational Noise Exposure in Chandrapur City, Central India

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namrata R. Nimgade ◽  
R. K. Kamble
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Central India ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Flour Mill ◽  
Grinding Machines

Assessment of occupational noise exposure of flour mill workers in Chandrapur city of central India was carried out during November 2015-January 2016. Total 62 flour mills were selected for this study comprising one, two and three grinding machines operating in the shop floor. The sound level meter was used to measure sound level at 50 cm and 3 meters from grinding machines at receiver’s position during operation. Noise monitoring was also recorded when one, two and three machines were operating individually and simultaneously. The results showed that noise levels when one grinding machine in operation in close proximity (50 cm) was in the range of 80-97 dB(A). Comparison of these observations with that of 3 meters distance; it was observed that noise levels got reduced and in the range of 70-77 dB(A). In the case of two machines in operation, it was in the range of 95-118 dB(A) at 50 cm distance and reduced to 75-95 dB(A) at 3 meters distance. This reduction in noise level was due to the propagation of noise in the ambient environment. Furthermore, daily noise exposure points, exposure points job per task and exposure points per hour were computed by using noise exposure calculator developed by Health and Safety Executive (HSE), United Kingdom. The computation from this calculator revealed that these attributes were directly depended upon noise levels in flour mills and duration of noise exposure. A positive linear Pearson’s correlation (p<0.01) was observed between noise level and exposure points per hour. Of the 65 flour mill workers surveyed, 70.76% reported a hearing problem, 23.07% headache at work and out of which 7.69% workers headache remains after completion of work also. Remedial measures to control noise exposure to flour mill workers such as ear plugs, ear muff, semi-insert are recommended.

scholarly journals A Quantitative General Population Job Exposure Matrix for Occupational Noise Exposure

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 604-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zara Ann Stokholm ◽  
Mogens Erlandsen ◽  
Vivi Schlünssen ◽  
Ioannis Basinas ◽  
Jens Peter Bonde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Job Exposure Matrix ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Exposure Levels

Abstract Occupational noise exposure is a known risk factor for hearing loss and also adverse cardiovascular effects have been suggested. A job exposure matrix (JEM) would enable studies of noise and health on a large scale. The objective of this study was to create a quantitative JEM for occupational noise exposure assessment of the general working population. Between 2001–2003 and 2009–2010, we recruited workers from companies within the 10 industries with the highest reporting of noise-induced hearing loss according to the Danish Working Environment Authority and in addition workers of financial services and children day care to optimize the range in exposure levels. We obtained 1343 personal occupational noise dosimeter measurements among 1140 workers representing 100 different jobs according to the Danish version of the International Standard Classification of Occupations 1988 (DISCO 88). Four experts used 35 of these jobs as benchmarks and rated noise levels for the remaining 337 jobs within DISCO 88. To estimate noise levels for all 372 jobs, we included expert ratings together with sex, age, occupational class, and calendar year as fixed effects, while job and worker were included as random effects in a linear mixed regression model. The fixed effects explained 40% of the total variance: 72% of the between-jobs variance, −6% of the between-workers variance and 4% of the within-worker variance. Modelled noise levels showed a monotonic increase with increasing expert score and a 20 dB difference between the highest and lowest exposed jobs. Based on the JEM estimates, metal wheel-grinders were among the highest and finance and sales professionals among the lowest exposed. This JEM of occupational noise exposure can be used to prioritize preventive efforts of occupational noise exposure and to provide quantitative estimates of contemporary exposure levels in epidemiological studies of health effects potentially associated with noise exposure.

Damage Risk: An Evaluation of the Effects of Exposure to 85 versus 90 dBA of Noise

1976 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
James T. Yates ◽  
Jerry D. Ramsey ◽  
Jay W. Holland
Keyword(s):  
White Noise ◽  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Threshold Shift ◽  
Temporary Threshold Shift ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Potential Damage ◽  
Full Day ◽  
Damage Risk

The purpose of this study was to compare the damage risk of 85 and 90 dBA of white noise for equivalent full-day exposures. The damage risk of the two noise levels was determined by comparing the temporary threshold shift (TTS) of 12 subjects exposed to either 85 or 90 dBA of white noise for equivalent half- and full-day exposures. TTS was determined by comparing the pre- and postexposure binaural audiograms of each subject at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz. It was concluded that the potential damage risk, that is, hazardous effect, of 90 dBA is greater than 85 dBA of noise for equivalent full-day exposures. The statistical difference between the overall effects of equivalent exposures to 85 dBA as compared to 90 dBA of noise could not be traced to any one frequency. The damage risk of a full-day exposure to 85 dBA is equivalent to that of a half-day exposure to 90 dBA of noise. Within the limits of this study, TTS t was as effective as TTS 2 for estimating the damage risk of noise exposure.

Vocal Performance Teachers and Hearing Loss

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-24
Author(s):  
Vance Gunnell ◽  
Jeff Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Otoacoustic Emissions ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Vocal Performance ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Distortion Product ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Performance Teachers

Hearing thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions were measured for teachers of vocal performance who were gathered for a national conference. Results showed mean audiometric thresholds to be consistent with noise induced hearing loss, more than what would be expected with normal aging. Years of instruction and age were considered as factors in the hearing loss observed. It was concluded that hearing conservation should be initiated with this group to help raise awareness and protect them from hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure.

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