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Hearing loss among older construction workers: Updated analyses.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Dement, J; Welch, LS; Ringen, K; Cranford, K; Quinn, P
Published in: Am J Ind Med
April 2018

BACKGROUND: A prior study of this construction worker population found significant noise-associated hearing loss. This follow-up study included a much larger study population and consideration of additional risk factors. METHODS: Data included audiometry, clinical chemistry, personal history, and work history. Qualitative exposure metrics for noise and solvents were developed. Analyses compared construction workers to an internal reference group with lower exposures and an external worker population with low noise exposure. RESULTS: Among participants (n = 19 127) an overall prevalence of hearing loss of 58% was observed, with significantly increased prevalence across all construction trades. Construction workers had significantly increased risk of hearing loss compared to reference populations, with increasing risk by work duration. Noise exposure, solvent exposure, hypertension, and smoking were significant risk factors in multivariate models. CONCLUSIONS: Results support a causal relationship between construction trades work and hearing loss. Prevention should focus on reducing exposure to noise, solvents, and cigarette smoke.

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Published In

Am J Ind Med

DOI

EISSN

1097-0274

Publication Date

April 2018

Volume

61

Issue

4

Start / End Page

326 / 335

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • United States
  • Solvents
  • Smoking
  • Risk Factors
  • Prevalence
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Occupational Diseases
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
 

Citation

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Dement, J., Welch, L. S., Ringen, K., Cranford, K., & Quinn, P. (2018). Hearing loss among older construction workers: Updated analyses. Am J Ind Med, 61(4), 326–335. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.22827
Dement, John, Laura S. Welch, Knut Ringen, Kim Cranford, and Patricia Quinn. “Hearing loss among older construction workers: Updated analyses.Am J Ind Med 61, no. 4 (April 2018): 326–35. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.22827.
Dement J, Welch LS, Ringen K, Cranford K, Quinn P. Hearing loss among older construction workers: Updated analyses. Am J Ind Med. 2018 Apr;61(4):326–35.
Dement, John, et al. “Hearing loss among older construction workers: Updated analyses.Am J Ind Med, vol. 61, no. 4, Apr. 2018, pp. 326–35. Pubmed, doi:10.1002/ajim.22827.
Dement J, Welch LS, Ringen K, Cranford K, Quinn P. Hearing loss among older construction workers: Updated analyses. Am J Ind Med. 2018 Apr;61(4):326–335.
Journal cover image

Published In

Am J Ind Med

DOI

EISSN

1097-0274

Publication Date

April 2018

Volume

61

Issue

4

Start / End Page

326 / 335

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • United States
  • Solvents
  • Smoking
  • Risk Factors
  • Prevalence
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Occupational Diseases
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Middle Aged
  • Male