Abstract:
Hearing Conservation Programme (HCP) has been reported to be effective in protecting the
hearing of South African workers who are exposed to occupational noise. In order to reduce Noise
Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) among these workers, a team work that includes an Occupational
Audiologist in the proper implementation of hearing conservation programme is needed.
The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of hearing conservation programme
amongst farm workers in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa.A quantitative
research approach using cross sectional survey design was used to assess the implementation
of the programme among farm workers in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa. A
self administered questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions was administered to
both males and female respondents aged between 19 and 50 years. A total population of 260
farm workers were systematically selected and a sample size of 76 respondents were randomly
selected and participated in the study. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the
Ethics Committee of the University of Venda and the office in charge of royal macadamia. The
data collected was analyzed using the Statistical package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23,0
software. A test-retest method was used to ensure reliability and findings of the study and formed
the basis of recommendations.
The results of the study indicate that 82,9% of the workers who were exposed to noise for more
than 14hours were not using hearing protection devices even though they were supplied. The
training on the effects of noise on hearing was received by a quarter (25%) of the farm workers
leaving out a large portion of 75% of workers not knowledgeable about the hearing conservation
programme. A very small percentage of 3,9% indicated that they had a documented hearing loss
against a large number of 96,1%. The findings show that only engineering noise controls are
available and there were no provision of noise maps as part of monitoring hearing conservation
programme.The farm workers need to be motivated to wear hearing protection devices in order
to conserve their hearing. The management of the farm may organize an in-service training
regarding the proper implementation of hearing conservation programme.Dermacation of noise
zones would remind workers to put on their ear protectors before entering the noise area as part
of monitoring the hearing conservation programme.
