Hearing loss due to noise exposure in the workplace is one of the most common occupational diseases. The condition is permanent and there is no effective treatment. Where the source of the noise cannot be eliminated, however, hearing loss can be minimised by the use of hearing protection devices (e.g. earplugs or earmuffs). The effectiveness of these devices depends on the fit and quality as well as regular use by workers. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to influence workers to wear hearing protection to decrease their exposure to noise.
Seven studies were included in the review including a total of 4670 participants. The evidence shows that tailored interventions (the use of communication or other types of interventions that are specific to an individual or a group and aim to change behaviour) improve the mean use of hearing protective devices versus non-intervention. Individually tailored education was more effective in improving HPD use compared with target education programmes which address shared worker characteristics. Mixed interventions (education, mailing, distribution of HPDs, noise assessments and audiometric testing) were also more effective in improving HPD use compared with hearing testing alone. Long-lasting school based interventions may increase the use of hearing protection substantially, however more research is needed.