@article{ref1,
title="Hearing loss and use of hearing protection among career firefighters in the United States",
journal="Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine",
year="2013",
author="Hong, OiSaeng and Chin, Dal Lae and Samo, Daniel G.",
volume="55",
number="8",
pages="960-965",
abstract="OBJECTIVE:: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among career firefighters. METHODS:: A Web-based survey and a standard audiometric test were performed with 425 firefighters from three states in the United States. RESULTS:: More than 40% showed hearing loss in the noise-sensitive frequencies (4 and 6 kHz). The left ear showed significantly poorer hearing than the right ear. Firefighters having longer years of work in fire services demonstrated significantly worse hearing. Reported use of HPDs was 34% of the time that was needed. Firefighters who used HPDs less were significantly more likely to have hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS:: This study demonstrated a considerable NIHL problem and low use of HPDs in firefighters. More comprehensive hearing conservation programs should be implemented to reduce NIHL for firefighters.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1076-2752",
doi="10.1097/JOM.0b013e318293aee0",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0b013e318293aee0"
}