Classification of audiograms in the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss: A clinical perspective

South African Journal of Communication Disorders

 
 
Field Value
 
Title Classification of audiograms in the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss: A clinical perspective
 
Creator Musiba, Zumbi
 
Subject — ONIHL; Audiogram classification; Hearing surveillance; Threshold shift; UKHSE categorization scheme; Audiometry; Hierarchy of controls
Description 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.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor
Date 2020-03-03
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — Clinical perspective
Format text/html application/epub+zip text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/sajcd.v67i2.691
 
Source South African Journal of Communication Disorders; Vol 67, No 2 (2020); 5 pages 2225-4765 0379-8046
 
Language eng
 
Relation
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:

https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/691/1122 https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/691/1121 https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/691/1123 https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/691/1120
 
Coverage — — —
Rights Copyright (c) 2020 Zumbi Musiba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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