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Communication devices are widely used at work sites such as call centers or manufacturing facilities. Workers using communication devices in such settings may be exposed to risk of hearing loss.
Methods
In 2010, we implemented a survey targeting 3,660 member companies of the Federation of Labour Standards Association in Fukuoka prefecture, seeking to identify workplaces where noise exposure occurs, the use of hearing protection, need for communication devices, and problems experienced by workers suffering hearing loss.
Results
We received 656 responses (a response rate of 19.3%), mainly from company safety and health officers. Of all responses received, 197 (30.0%) were from companies with fewer than 30 employees; 113 (17.2%) from companies with 30-49 employees; 260 (39.6%) from companies with 50-299 employees; and 75 (11.4%) from companies with 300 or more employees. Twelve responses (1.8%) failed to indicate the number of employees. In response to a question regarding the presence of work locations exposed to high noise, 327 (50.3%) companies answered “yes,” with a higher proportion (241/327 = 73.7%) among manufacturing companies. Of 327 companies with workplaces exposed to high noise levels, 281 (85.9%) companies provided hearing protection (predominantly earplugs alone). Of these companies, 46 (14.1%) companies were aware of cases involving hearing loss among their work force. Interestingly, the proportion of companies answering “yes” to the inquiry regarding the need for communication devices in work processes was greater among companies with workplaces exposed to high noise levels (117/327 = 35.8%) than among companies without such workplaces (83/323 = 26.3%).
Discussion
Communication devices are used in many workplaces, including locations where workers are exposed to high noise levels. Some companies are aware of the problems posed by noise exposure, including errors in communication and hearing loss. Future studies must address countermeasures.