Hearing-related symptoms and occupational noise exposure among women: An intervention study in preschool and obstetrics care

• Recent cross-sectional studies have showed that preschool teachers and obstetrics personnel risk developing hearing-related symptoms associated with noise exposure. An ongoing cohort follow-up and intervention study will provide causal interpretations and evaluation of preventive factors. This presentation will include an overview of the project with focus on the intervention study, assessing effects on self-reported noise exposure and hearing-related symptoms. The intervention was performed at one preschool and one obstetrics care unit with two control workplaces each. A participatory approach was used, involving personnel, managers and health and safety representatives. The process followed a common structure in identifying, selecting, implementing and evaluating the interventions, whereas the interventions were tailored to each workplace. Survey data was collected at baseline and two follow-ups, and analysed using generalised estimating equation (GEE). We did not find significant positive effects of the intervention. Factors such as limited resources for implementation and other work environment deteriorations probably explain some of the negative results. Meanwhile, qualitative data indicated positive experiences of the interventions. Thus, we suggest further studies with control of implementation and other changes in the workplace.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Oto-rhino-laryngologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Otorhinolaryngology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Folkhälsovetenskap, global hälsa, socialmedicin och epidemiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Arbetsmedicin och miljömedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Occupational Health and Environmental Health (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

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