Preschool teachers and obstetric personnel are at high risk for hearing related issues, reported a new research at Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden. The study examined the diagnostic validity of self-reported symptoms and compared the occurrence and risk of hearing-related symptoms in women working in obstetrics, preschool, and the general population. The maximum sound level in obstetrical wards was greater than 115 dBA with a corresponding increased risk of tinnitus and auditory fatigue. The study found that preschool teachers have a more than double risk of sound-induced auditory fatigue, hyperacusis, and difficulty perceiving speech.
These two occupations, preschool teachers and obstetrics care personnel, have a higher prevalence of hearing issues than occupations with similar noise levels, perhaps because of the nature of their work environments, which are typically communication-intensive. The stressful environment and the need to listen to the loud noises inherent in the work contribute to hearing problems.
"The symptoms can be triggered by the boisterous environment, and it's also difficult to use hearing protection," said Sofie Fredriksson, the study's author. Children cannot necessarily be ignored by using earplugs or other hearing protection.
In terms of the appropriate interventions, Fredriksson stressed that various strategies would be needed to address the needs of people with these jobs. "Hearing protection devices are normally the main intervention if the sound level cannot be reduced in another way, and it may be necessary if you have a child who subjects your ears to crying for a whole day during their introductory period at preschool," Fredriksson said in a press release. "But the design of the premises and room acoustics also have to be considered. In a large room with solid walls, it becomes noisy no matter how educational and strategic you are in your work," she added.
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