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- Title
Levels of traffic noise exposure on public transport drivers in South Africa: Where are the audiologists?
- Authors
Mabaso, P.; Moroe, N. F.
- Abstract
Background: Globally, millions of people are exposed to road traffic noise above the daily threshold of 55 decibels. Traffic noise is the biggest contributor and a serious threat to the health of those exposed to noise. Public transport drivers are the most affected by traffic noise as the nature of their work is dictates that they spend most of their time on the road transporting millions of commuters daily. Evidence suggests that most of the drivers are not aware of the impact of excessive exposure to their health and wellbeing. Furthermore, these drivers are not aware of the role of audiologists in the management of hearing difficulties. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine taxi drivers' awareness of the long effects of traffic noise and the role of audiologists in the management of auditory symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative research design was conducted with 86 taxi drivers who were recruited through purposive sampling. A self-developed questionnaire consisting of open and close-ended questions was used to collect data. Data were analysed quantitatively. Results: 51% of the participants reported to not being sure of what an audiologist is, while 28% of the participants knew what an audiologist is; however they associated an audiologist with mine workers and individuals with profound hearing loss or deafness. Furthermore, 73% have not had their hearing tested. Of the 27% who have had their hearing tested, only 7% had their hearing tested in the last five years. 41% believe that they should have thier hearing tested while 35% are unsure and 24% believe they do not need to have their hearing tested. Conclusions: The role of an audiologist in the life of an everyday man like a taxi driver is still unclear. Audiologists possess knowledge of environmental noise and its effects; however, individuals like taxi drivers may not be aware of the role of audiologists in their lives. There is a need to raise awareness around environmental noise and its effects particularly on people whose livelihood exposes them to environmental noise. Despite audiologists' knowledge of noise pollution being an important environmental risk factor for human health and the high exposure of drivers to urban noise, there is still a dearth of studies on environmental noise and more so in taxi drivers. Therefore, the implications of this study include raising awareness on the role of audiologists in educating taxi drivers regarding the effects of environmental noise.
- Subjects
POLAND; SOUTH Africa; NOISE-induced deafness prevention; OCCUPATIONAL roles; NOISE; OCCUPATIONAL exposure; CONFERENCES &; conventions; HEALTH literacy; AUTOMOBILE driving
- Publication
Journal of Hearing Science, 2022, Vol 12, Issue 1, p102
- ISSN
2083-389X
- Publication type
Article