‘Preschool teachers at higher risk of hearing
problems’
Seven out of 10 female preschool teachers suffer from
hearing problems, finds a study that linked the profession with a higher risk
than others’ exposed to noise. It is because the preschool teachers are
regularly exposed to voices and screams that often convey important information
and is difficult to avoid, unlike in an industrial environment, as they have to
listen to the children.
“Preschool teachers have a much higher risk than those
who work in environments with a similar noise rating. The symptoms can be
triggered by the boisterous environment, and it’s also difficult to use hearing
protection,” Sofie Fredriksson from Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of
Gothenburg, Sweden said in a statement.
“We have an occupational group with much higher risk
for these symptoms, and if nothing is done about it, it’s really alarming. We
have to lower sound levels, have a calmer preschool,” Fredriksson
explained.
The findings
suggested that hearing loss and tinnitus — sensation of hearing sounds in ears
— were the second most common symptoms affecting preschool teachers. Among the
group of 4,718 women who participated in the study, while 71 per cent
experienced sound-induced auditory fatigue making them unable to listen to the
radio, 46 per cent had trouble understanding speech.
Similarly, 39 per cent said that they experienced
discomfort or physical pain in their ears from everyday sounds that are not
necessarily loud at all, at least once a week.
“Hearing
protection devices are normally the main intervention if the sound level cannot
be reduced in another way, and it may be necessary if you have a child who
subjects your ears to crying for a whole day during their introductory period
at preschool,” Fredriksson suggested.
“But the design of the premises and room acoustics
also have to be considered. In a large room with solid walls, it becomes noisy
no matter how educational and strategic you are in your work,” she added.
27.06.2018
Be patient and tough, someday this pain will be
useful to you
Ovid
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