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Exposure to excessive sounds during orchestra rehearsals and temporary hearing changes in hearing among musicians

100%
Dudarewicz A., Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M., Zamojska-Daniszewska M., Zaborowski K.
Medycyna Pracy
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2015
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vol. 66
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issue 4
479-486
PL
Wstęp Wykazano, że muzycy narażeni są na ryzyko utraty słuchu wywołanej hałasem. Celem pracy była ocena czasowych zmian słuchu u muzyków orkiestrowych po udziale w próbach zespołowych. Materiał i metody Badana grupa składała się z 18 muzyków orkiestrowych w wieku 20–58 lat (średnia: 40 lat) o stażu zawodowym 12–40 lat (średnia: 22 lata). Czasowe zmiany słuchu po próbach zespołowych wyznaczono na podstawie wyników badań emisji otoakustycznych przejściowych (transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions – TEOAE). Oceniono również poziom ekspozycji na hałas podczas prób zespołowych. Wyniki Próg słuchu muzyków był wyższy (gorszy) niż oczekiwany w równoważnej populacji nienarażonej na hałas. Ponadto w audiogramach części muzyków zaobserwowano „załamki” typowe dla działania hałasu wysokoczęstotliwościowe. Po próbach zespołowych, podczas których muzycy byli narażeni na hałas orkiestrowy o poziomie ekspozycji na hałas odniesiony do 8-godzinnego dnia pracy (skorygowany charakterystyką częstotliwościową A) o wartościach 75,6–83,1 dB (średnia: 79,4 dB), zaobserwowano statystycznie istotne obniżenie amplitudy TEOAE (ok. 0,7 dB), zarówno w przypadku zbiorczej odpowiedzi, jak i w pasmach 2000 i 3000 Hz. Nie stwierdzono jednak istotnych różnic między wynikami powtarzalności TEOAE przed ekspozycją i po ekspozycji. Wnioski Uzyskane wyniki potwierdzają, że praca muzyków orkiestrowych wiąże się z ryzykiem uszkodzenia słuchu, nawet przy ekspozycji na hałas orkiestrowy nieprzekraczającej wartości dopuszczalnych dla hałasu w miejscu pracy. Med. Pr. 2015;66(4):479–486
EN
Background It has been shown that musicians are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The aim of the study has been to evaluate the temporary changes of hearing in the case of orchestral musicians after group rehearsals. Material and Methods The study group comprised 18 orchestral musicians, aged 30–58 years old (mean: 40 years old) having 12–40 years (mean: 22 years) of professional experience. The temporary changes in hearing after group rehearsals were determined using transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs). Noise exposures during group rehearsals were also evaluated. Results Musicians’ hearing threshold levels were higher (worse) than expected for the equivalent non-noise-exposed population. Moreover, the high frequency notched audiograms were observed in some of them. After rehearsals, during which musicians were exposed to orchestral noise at A-weighted equivalent-continuous sound pressure level (normalized to 8-h working day) varied from 75.6–83.1 dB (mean: 79.4 dB). The significant post-exposure reductions of TEOAE amplitudes (approx. 0.7 dB) both for the total response and frequency bands of 2000 and 3000 Hz were noted. However, there were no significant differences between pre- and postexposure reproducibility of TEOAE. Conclusions Obtained results have confirmed that orchestral musicians are at risk of hearing loss due to their professional activities, even at exposures to orchestral noise less than the limit values for occupational noise. Med Pr 2015;66(4):479–486
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Exposure to excessive sounds and hearing status in academic classical music students

100%
Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M., Zamojska-Daniszewska M., Dudarewicz A., Zaborowski K.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2017
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vol. 30
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issue 1
55-75
EN
Objectives The aim of this study was to assess hearing of music students in relation to their exposure to excessive sounds. Material and Methods Standard pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was performed in 168 music students, aged 22.5±2.5 years. The control group included 67 subjects, non-music students and non-musicians, aged 22.8±3.3 years. Data on the study subjects’ musical experience, instruments in use, time of weekly practice and additional risk factors for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) were identified by means of a questionnaire survey. Sound pressure levels produced by various groups of instruments during solo and group playing were also measured and analyzed. The music students’ audiometric hearing threshold levels (HTLs) were compared with the theoretical predictions calculated according to the International Organization for Standardization standard ISO 1999:2013. Results It was estimated that the music students were exposed for 27.1±14.3 h/week to sounds at the A-weighted equivalent-continuous sound pressure level of 89.9±6.0 dB. There were no significant differences in HTLs between the music students and the control group in the frequency range of 4000–8000 Hz. Furthermore, in each group HTLs in the frequency range 1000–8000 Hz did not exceed 20 dB HL in 83% of the examined ears. Nevertheless, high frequency notched audiograms typical of the noise-induced hearing loss were found in 13.4% and 9% of the musicians and non-musicians, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of notching in the music students increased significantly along with higher sound pressure levels (OR = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.014–1.13, p < 0.05). The students’ HTLs were worse (higher) than those of a highly screened non-noise-exposed population. Moreover, their hearing loss was less severe than that expected from sound exposure for frequencies of 3000 Hz and 4000 Hz, and it was more severe in the case of frequency of 6000 Hz. Conclusions The results confirm the need for further studies and development of a hearing conservation program for music students. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(1):55–75
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Noise exposure and hearing status among employees using communication headsets

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Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M., Dudarewicz A., Zaborowski K., Zamojska-Daniszewska M.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2022
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vol. 35
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issue 5
585-614
EN
Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the hearing of employees using communication headsets with regard to their exposure to noise. Material and Methods The study group comprised 213 employees, including 21 workers of the furniture industry, 15 court transcribers and 177 call center operators, aged 19–55 years, working with headsets for a period of up to 25 years. All the participants underwent a standard puretone audiometry, extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA) as well as transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Noise exposure from headsets was evaluated using the microphone in a real ear technique according to PN-EN ISO 11904-1:2008. Results Personal daily noise exposure levels ranged 57–96 dB and exceeded 85 dB only in 1.4% of the call center operators. Forty-two percent of the participants had bilateral normal hearing in the standard frequency range of 250–8000 Hz, and 33% in the extended highfrequency range of 9–16 kHz. It was found that DPOAEs were present bilaterally in 59% of the participants. Reproducibility of TEOAE at >70% and signal-to-noise ratio at >6 was exhibited by 42% and 17% of them, respectively. The 3 subgroups of workers differed in age, gender, noise exposure and type of headsets in use. However, after adjusting for age and gender, significant differences between these subgroups in terms of hearing were mostly visible in EHFA. A significant impact of age, gender, daily noise exposure level and current job tenure on hearing tests results was also noted among the call center operators and the transcribers. The most pronounced were the effects of age and gender, whereas the impact of the daily noise exposure level was less evident. Conclusions It seems that EHFA is useful for recognizing early signs of noise-induced hearing loss among communication headset users. However, further studies are needed before any firm conclusions concerning the risk of hearing impairment due to the use of such devices can be drawn.
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Hearing status of people occupationally exposed to ultrasonic noise

100%
Dudarewicz A., Zamojska-Daniszewska M., Zaborowski K., Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2022
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vol. 35
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issue 3
309-325
EN
ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the hearing status of operators of low-frequency ultrasonic devices compared to employees exposed to audible noise at a similar A-weighted sound pressure level (SPL) but without ultrasonic components.Material and MethodsStandard pure-tone audiometry, extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA), transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE), and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), as well as questionnaire surveys were conducted among 148 subjects, aged 43.1±10.8 years, working as ultrasonic device operators for 18.7±10.6 years. Their exposure to noise within the ultrasonic and audible frequency range was also evaluated. The control group comprised 168 workers, adjusted according to gender, age (±2 years), tenure (±2 years), and the 8-hour daily noise exposure level (LEX,8h) of ±2 dB.ResultsThe ultrasonic device operators and the control group were exposed to audible noise at LEX,8h of 80.8±3.9 dB and 79.1±3.4, respectively. The Polish maximum admissible intensity (MAI) values for audible noise were exceeded in 16.8% of the ultrasonic device operators, while 91.2% of them were exposed to ultrasonic noise at SPL>MAI values. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the hearing threshold levels (HTLs) up to 3 kHz, while the ultrasonic device operators exhibited significantly higher (worse) HTLs, as compared to the control group, in the range of 4–14 kHz. The results of the DPOAE and TEOAE testing also indicated worse hearing among the ultrasonic device operators. However, the differences between the groups were more pronounced in the case of EHFA and DPOAEs.ConclusionsThe outcomes of all hearing tests consistently indicated worse hearing among the ultrasonic device operators as compared to the control group. Both EHFA and DPOAE seem to be useful tools for recognizing early signs of hearing loss among ultrasonic device operators.
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Ocena narażenia na hałas i czasowych zmian słuchu związanych z pracą na stanowisku instruktora fitness

88%
Wolniakowska A., Dudarewicz A., Zaborowski K., Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M., Śliwińska-Kowalska M.
Medycyna Pracy
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2021
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vol. 72
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issue 4
391-397
EN
Music is for many people an integral part of their lives. In recent years, loud music, whether recorded or played live, has been a significant source of noise. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between exposure to high sound levels and temporary threshold shift (TTS) in people working as fitness instructors.Material and MethodsThe study included a total of 29 people (26 women and 3 men, age: 33±6 years) employed in 8 fitness clubs. The sound levels and the frequency characteristics of noise were assessed using individual dosimetry. Hearing threshold was evaluated by pre- and post-exposure pure tone audiometry (PTA), yielding a total of 116 audiograms.ResultsOccupational exposure of fitness instructors to noise lasted 60–120 min and the A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq,T) in their workplace ranged 76.3–96.0 dBA (M = 87.1 dB). In 12% of individual measurements, the maximum admissible intensity (MAI) value for noise at the workplace was exceeded (MAI = 85 dB). In 41% of the surveyed instructors, a TTS of ≥6 dB at 4 kHz was observed.ConclusionsFitness instructors may be a risk of hearing impairment related to their work. Med Pr. 2021;72(4):391–7
PL
Muzyka jest dla wielu osób nieodłącznym elementem życia. W ostatnich latach głośna muzyka, zarówno grana na żywo, jak i odtwarzana, stanowi istotne źródło hałasu. Celem niniejszej pracy była ocena związku między ekspozycją na wysokie poziomy dźwięku a czasowym przesunięciem progu słuchu (temporary threshold shift – TTS) u osób pracujących na stanowisku instruktora fitness. Materiał i metody Badaniem objęto 29 osób (26 kobiet i 3 mężczyzn, średnia wieku: 33±6 lat) zatrudnionych w 8 klubach fitness. Poziomy dźwięków i charakterystykę częstotliwościową hałasu zmierzono z zastosowaniem dozymetrii indywidualnej. Progi słuchu oceniano za pomocą audiometrii tonalnej przeprowadzanej przed rozpoczęciem zajęć fitness oraz bezpośrednio po ich zakończeniu, otrzymując łącznie 116 audiogramów przed- i poekspozycyjnych.WynikiZawodowe narażenie instruktorów fitness na hałas trwało 60–120 min, a równoważny poziom ciśnienia akustycznego A (LAeq,T) w miejscu ich pracy wynosił 76,3–96,0 dB (M = 87,1 dB). W 12% indywidualnych pomiarów odnotowano przekroczenie najwyższego dopuszczalnego natężenia (NDN) hałasu na stanowisku pracy (NDN = 85 dB). U 41% badanych instruktorów zaobserwowano TTS o wielkości ≥6 dB dla częstotliwości 4 kHz.WnioskiPraca instruktorów w klubach fitness może stwarzać ryzyko uszkodzenia słuchu związanego z pracą zawodową. Med. Pr. 2021;72(4):391–397
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Ocena narażenia na hałas i ryzyko uszkodzenia słuchu u pracowników używających słuchawkowych zestawów komunikacyjnych lub słuchawek

88%
Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M., Zaborowski K., Zamojska-Daniszewska M., Dudarewicz A., Rutkowska-Kaczmarek P.
Medycyna Pracy
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2019
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vol. 70
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issue 1
27-52
EN
Background The aim of the study was to assess the noise exposure and risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among users of communication headsets (CHs) or headphones. Material and Methods Noise measurements and questionnaire surveys were carried out in 74 workers (aged: 31.8±7.3 years), including military aviation personnel (N = 12), transcribers (N = 18) and call center operators (N = 44). Sound pressure levels (SPLs) emitted by CHs (or headphones) were determined using the microphone in the real ear (MIRE) technique and artificial ear techniques according to PN-EN ISO 11904-1:2008 and CSA Z107.56-13, respectively. The risk of NIHL was evaluated in accordance with PN-ISO 1999:2000. Results The diffused-field-related A-weighted equivalent-continuous SPLs measured under CHs (or headphones) using the MIRE and artificial ear techniques reached values of 67–86 dB (10–90th percentile) and 68–89 dB (10–90th percentile), respectively. The study subjects used these devices 1.5–8 h (10–90th percentile) per day. Exposure to such noise levels for 40 years of employment causes the risk of hearing impairment (mean hearing threshold level for 2, 3 and 4 kHz > 25 dB) up to 10–12% (MIRE technique) or 19–22% (artificial ear technique). Individual daily noise exposure levels in study group varied 71–85 dB (10–90th percentile). A number of workers complained of problems with understanding speech in noisy environment (28.4%) and hearing whisper (16.2%) and experienced post-work temporary hearing symptoms (16.2–25.7%) as well. Conclusions The users of CHs and headphones should be included in the hearing conservation program. Further studies are also needed among employees of other industries. Med Pr. 2019;70(1):27–52
PL
Wstęp Celem pracy była ocena narażenia na hałas i ryzyka uszkodzenia słuchu spowodowanego hałasem wśród użytkowników słuchawkowych zestawów komunikacyjnych lub słuchawek. Materiał i metody W grupie 74 pracowników (wiek: 31,8±7,3 roku), w tym personelu lotnictwa wojskowego (N = 12), transkrybentów (N = 18) i telemarketerów (N = 44), przeprowadzono pomiary hałasu i badania kwestionariuszowe. Poziomy dźwięku emitowanego przez słuchawkowe zestawy komunikacyjne (lub słuchawki) zmierzono z zastosowaniem techniki microphone in the real ear (MIRE) i techniki sztucznego ucha, odpowiednio, według norm PN-EN ISO 11904-1:2008 i CSA Z107.56-13. Ryzyko uszkodzenia słuchu wywołanego hałasem oszacowano zgodnie z wytycznymi normy PN-ISO 1999:2000. Wyniki Mierzone pod słuchawkami i słuchawkowymi zestawami komunikacyjnymi z zastosowaniem technik MIRE i sztucznego ucha wartości równoważnego poziomu dźwięku A (odpowiadającego warunkom pola rozproszonego) wynosiły, odpowiednio, 67–86 dB (10–90 percentyl) i 68–89 dB (10–90 percentyl). Badani pracownicy używali tych urządzeń średnio przez 1,5–8 godz. dziennie (10–90 percentyl). Ekspozycja na takie poziomy dźwięku przez 40 lat pracy wiąże się z ryzykiem uszkodzenia słuchu (średni próg słuchu dla częstotliwości 2, 3 i 4 kHz > 25 dB) sięgającym 10–12% (technika MIRE) lub 19–22% (technika sztucznego ucha). Wartości indywidualnego dziennego poziomu ekspozycji na hałas w badanej grupie wynosiły 71–85 dB (10–90 percentyl). Część pracowników skarżyła się na problemy z rozumieniem mowy w hałaśliwym otoczeniu (28,4%) i słyszeniem szeptu (16,2%) oraz zauważyła przejściowe skutki słuchowe po pracy z zastosowaniem słuchawkowych zestawów komunikacyjnych lub słuchawek (16,2–25,7%). Wnioski Wskazane jest objęcie użytkowników słuchawkowych zestawów komunikacyjnych i słuchawek programem ochrony słuchu oraz kontynuowanie badań wśród pracowników innych branż. Med. Pr. 2019;70(1):27–52
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Ocena narażenia na hałas na stanowiskach pracy barmanów

88%
Dudarewicz A., Zaborowski K., Wolniakowska A., Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M., Śliwińska-Kowalska M.
Medycyna Pracy
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2018
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vol. 69
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issue 6
633-641
EN
Background In places associated with the entertainment industry in which music is performed or played, sounds with high sound pressure levels may occur. Such exposure is a threat to both people spending their free time at concerts, in discos or pubs, as well as employees in these places. The aim of the research conducted in 2017 was to assess on-the-job noise exposure in the case of bartenders at various premises of the entertainment industry. Material and Methods The measurements included 15 entertainment venues in Łódź, out of which 3 were selected: a music club, disco and pub. The exposure measurements were taken together for 4 work stations for bartenders using individual dosimetry in accordance with the PN-EN ISO 9612: 2011 standard. Results A total of 64 measurements were carried out, which showed that the equivalent sound levels A at the bartenders’ workplaces vary considerably depending on the type of premises and the day of the week and the range of 67.6–108.7 dB. The highest sound levels occurred during the weekend (Fridays and Saturdays). The determined daily noise exposure levels exceeded the threshold of preventive action (80 dB) in 95% of the analyzed cases. Exceeding the maximum permissible noise level (NDN = 85 dB) was found in 66% of cases. Conclusions It has been found that on-the-job noise levels in the case of bartenders significantly exceed the acceptable values of exposure levels and pose a risk of hearing damage. Med Pr 2018;69(6):633–641
PL
Wstęp W miejscach związanych z branżą rozrywkową, w których wykonuje się lub odtwarza muzykę, mogą występować dźwięki o wysokich poziomach ciśnienia akustycznego. Taka ekspozycja stanowi zagrożenie zarówno dla osób spędzających wolny czas na koncertach, w dyskotekach czy pubach, jak i dla pracowników tych lokali. Celem przeprowadzonych w 2017 r. badań była ocena narażenia na hałas na stanowisku pracy barmana w różnych miejscach związanych z branżą rozrywkową. Materiał i metody Pomiarami objęto 15 lokali rozrywkowych w Łodzi, spośród których wytypowano 3: klub muzyczny, dyskotekę i pub. Badania ekspozycji na hałas (nadmierne dźwięki) wykonano łącznie na 4 stanowiskach pracy barmanów z zastosowaniem dozymetrii indywidualnej (trzeciej strategii pomiarowej) według PN-EN ISO 9612:2011. Wyniki Przeprowadzono łącznie 64 pomiarów, które wykazały, że równoważne poziomy dźwięku A na stanowisku pracy barmana w zależności od rodzaju lokalu i dnia tygodnia znacznie się różnią, przyjmując wartości 67,6–108,7 dB. Najwyższe poziomy dźwięku występowały podczas weekendu (piątki i soboty). Wyznaczone dzienne poziomy ekspozycji na hałas przekraczały wartości progu działania prewencyjnego (80 dB) w 95% analizowanych przypadków. Przekroczenie wartości najwyższego dopuszczalnego natężenia hałasu (NDN = 85 dB) stwierdzono w 66% przypadków. Wnioski Stwierdzono, że występujące na stanowiskach pracy barmanów poziomy hałasu znacznie przekraczają dopuszczalne wartości poziomów ekspozycji oraz stwarzają ryzyko uszkodzenia słuchu. Med. Pr. 2018;69(6):633–641
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Ocena czasowych zmian słuchu związanych z pracą na stanowisku barmana

88%
Wolniakowska A., Zaborowski K., Dudarewicz A., Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M., Śliwińska-Kowalska M.
Medycyna Pracy
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2019
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vol. 70
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issue 1
17-25
EN
Background Noise in entertainment industry often reaches high sound pressure levels. Nevertheless, the risk of hearing loss in this sector is insufficiently recognized. The aim of this study was the assessment of the relationship between noise exposure and temporary threshold shifts (TTS) for people working as bartenders at a variety of entertainment venues. Material and Methods The study comprised a total of 18 bartenders (mean age was 25±7 years old) employed at a music club (N = 8), pub (N = 5) and discotheque (N = 5). Personal dosimeters were used for determining noise levels and frequency characteristics. Hearing was evaluated by pre- (before work) and post-exposure (up to 15 min after the end of work) pure tone audiometry. Hearing tests were carried out for bartenders during 2 or 3 sessions while working on weekends. Results The mean personal noise exposure level normalized to a nominal 8-hour working day was 95 dBA, above 4 times higher than the accepted legal limit. The TTS values (10 dB HL or more) were significant at 4 kHz for both ears for 77% of bartenders. Conclusions People working as bartenders represent a professional group with an increased risk of hearing loss. Raising awareness of this fact and implementing hearing protection programs in this group of workers is urgently needed, in line with the European Commission Directive (EU Directive 2003/10/EC). Med Pr. 2019;70(1):17–25
PL
Wstęp W przemyśle rozrywkowym hałas często osiąga wysokie poziomy ciśnienia akustycznego, jednak ryzyko uszkodzenia słuchu w tym sektorze nie zostało jeszcze dokładnie ocenione. Celem pracy była ocena związku między ekspozycją na wysoki poziom dźwięku a czasowym przesunięciem progu słuchu u osób pracujących na stanowisku barmana w lokalach rozrywkowych. Materiał i metody Badaniem objęto 18 barmanów (średni wiek: 25±7 lat) zatrudnionych w klubie muzycznym (N = 8), pubie (N = 5) i dyskotece (N = 5). Poziomy dźwięków oraz charakterystyka częstotliwościowa hałasu były określane za pomocą dozymetrii indywidualnej. Progi słuchu oceniano za pomocą audiometrii tonalnej przeprowadzanej przed rozpoczęciem dnia pracy oraz bezpośrednio (do 15 min) po jego zakończeniu. Badania słuchu przeprowadzono u barmanów w czasie 2 lub 3 sesji badawczych podczas pracy w weekendy. Uzyskano 92 audiogramy przed- i poekspozycyjne. Wyniki Uśrednione równoważne poziomy dźwięku odniesione do 8-godzinnego dnia pracy w ocenianych 3 lokalach muzycznych wynosiły 95 dBA, przekraczając ponad czterokrotnie dopuszczalne prawnie normy. U 77% badanych osób wykazano przynajmniej w 1 sesji pomiarowej czasowe przesunięcia progów słuchu ≥ 10 dB HL dla częstotliwości 4 kHz. Wnioski Osoby pracujące na stanowisku barmana stanowią grupę zawodową o podwyższonym ryzyku utraty słuchu. Niezbędne jest zwiększanie świadomości tego faktu oraz wdrażanie u tych pracowników programów ochrony słuchu, zgodnie z dyrektywą Komisji Europejskiej (EU 2003/10/WE). Med. Pr. 2019;70(1):17–25
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Evaluation of annoyance from the wind turbine noise: A pilot study

88%
Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M., Dudarewicz A., Zaborowski K., Zamojska-Daniszewska M., Waszkowska M.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2014
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vol. 27
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issue 3
364-388
EN
Objectives: The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of and annoyance due to the noise from wind turbines in populated areas of Poland. Material and Methods: The study group comprised 156 subjects. All subjects were asked to fill in a questionnaire developed to enable evaluation of their living conditions, including prevalence of annoyance due to the noise from wind turbines and the self-assessment of physical health and well-being. In addition, current mental health status of the respondents was assessed using Goldberg General Health Questionnaire GHQ-12. For areas where the respondents lived, A-weighted sound pressure levels (SPLs) were calculated as the sum of the contributions from the wind power plants in the specific area. Results: It has been shown that the wind turbine noise at the calculated A-weighted SPL of 30-48 dB was noticed outdoors by 60.3% of the respondents. This noise was perceived as annoying outdoors by 33.3% of the respondents, while indoors by 20.5% of them. The odds ratio of being annoyed outdoors by the wind turbine noise increased along with increasing SPLs (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.22-3.62). The subjects' attitude to wind turbines in general and sensitivity to landscape littering was found to have significant impact on the perceived annoyance. About 63% of variance in outdoors annoyance assessment might be explained by the noise level, general attitude to wind turbines and sensitivity to landscape littering. Conclusions: Before firm conclusions can be drawn further studies are needed, including a larger number of respondents with different living environments (i.e., dissimilar terrain, different urbanization and road traffic intensity).
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The adaptation of noise-induced temporary hearing threshold shift predictive models for modelling the public health policy

52%
Dudarewicz A., Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M., Zaborowski K., Pontoppidan N. H., Wolniakowska A., Bramsløw L., Christensen J. H., Katrakazas P., Brdaric D., Samardžić S., Śliwińska-Kowalska M.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2023
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vol. 36
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issue 1
125-138
EN
Objectives It has been shown that monitoring temporary threshold shift (TTS) after exposure to noise may have a predictive value for susceptibility of developing permanent noise-induced hearing loss. The aim of this study is to present the assumptions of the TTS predictive model after its verification in normal hearing subjects along with demonstrating the usage of this model for the purposes of public health policy. Material and Methods The existing computational predictive TTS models were adapted and validated in a group of 18 bartenders exposed to noise at the workplace. The performance of adapted TTS predictive model was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The demonstration example of the usage of this model for estimating the risk of TTS in general unscreened population after exposure to loud music in discotheque bars or music clubs is provided. Results The adapted TTS predictive model shows a satisfactory agreement in distributions of actual and predicted TTS values and good correlations between these values in examined bartenders measured at 4 kHz, and as a mean at speech frequencies (0.5–4 kHz). An optimal cut-off level for recognizing the TTS events, ca. 75% of young people (aged ca. 35 years) may experience TTS >5 dB, while <10% may exhibit TTS of 15–18 dB. Conclusions The final TTS predictive model proposed in this study needs to be validated in larger groups of subjects exposed to noise. Actual prediction of TTS episodes in general populations may become a helpful tool in creating the hearing protection public health policy. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(1):125–38
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