Saf Health Work.  2020 Sep;11(3):249-261. 10.1016/j.shaw.2020.04.003.

The Association Between Occupational Exposure to Hand–Arm Vibration and Hearing Loss: A Systematic Literature Review Systematic Literature Review

• Weier MH

• KMID: 2506938
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2020.04.003

Abstract

Background
Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent worker health conditions worldwide. Although the effect of noise exposure on hearing is well researched, other workplace exposures may account for significant hearing loss. The aim of this review was to determine whether occupational hand–arm vibration exposure through use of power or pneumatic tools, independent of noise exposure, is associated with permanent hearing loss. Do workers suffer from hand–arm vibration–induced hearing loss?
Methods
Peer-reviewed articles published in English between 1981 and 2020 were identified through five online databases with five search keywords. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, including online database search methodology, study selection, article exclusion, and assessment of potential study design confounders and biases, were followed.
Results
Database searches retrieved 697 articles. Fifteen articles that reported 17 studies met the criteria for review. All but two studies revealed statistically significant associations between occupational exposure to hand–arm vibration and hearing loss. The majority of the study results revealed associations between hand–arm vibration and hearing loss, independent of potential age and noise confounders.
Conclusion
Few studies have examined the association between occupational exposure to hand–arm vibration and hearing loss. Dose response data were limited as only one study measured vibration intensity and duration. Although the majority of studies identified statistically significant associations, causal relationships could not be determined. Further research using standardized and uniform measurement protocols is needed to confirm whether the association between occupational exposure to hand–arm vibration and permanent hearing loss is causal and the mechanism(s).

Keyword

Hand-arm vibration; Hearing loss; Raynaud; Vibration; White finger