Date of Award

January 2022

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Nicole Deziel

Second Advisor

Benjamin Roberts

Abstract

Hazardous noise (>85 dBA) is among the most common occupational exposures and responsible for the majority of noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss impacts many aspects of a person’s life, including workplace safety, daily routine, economic consequences, and quality of life. However, studies on the relationship between occupational noise exposure and hearing loss were usually done in specific industries rather than the general population. In addition, studies focused on associations between socioeconomic factors and hearing loss rarely take the type of occupation into consideration. In this study, we aim to evaluate both occupational noise exposure and socioeconomic status as risk factors for noise-induced hearing loss among a general United States adult population. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Occupational Information Network were used to evaluate associations between multiple demographical, socioeconomic, occupational factors and hearing loss. Results from Chi-square, linear regression, and logistic regression models showed that occupational noise exposure was associated with higher hearing thresholds at speech frequencies, and low education attainment was associated with increased odds of hearing loss in the United States adult populations.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

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