Workers' reactions to their noise-induced hearing loss: Acknowledgement versus avoidance

Audiometric testing of 61 workers in an engineering workshop found that 64% had sustained significant hearing loss. Questionnaire screening prior to testing indicated that 73% of workers with moderate or severe loss were aware of it. However, workers with mild loss were less likely to report a problem than those with no loss. When diagnosed, workers who had suspected a loss prior to testing expressed worry about their loss. Those who had previously denied having a problem tended to avoid the follow-up interview or to say they were not worried. Ways in which workers had coped with hearing loss were investigated. The implications for hearing conservation and rehabilitative programs are discussed.