| Learning Objective #1: Identify significance of hearing screening to prevent hearing loss | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe the process of development of multimedia interative hearing test and training program |
Significance: Hearing loss due to noise exposure is a major health problem among millions of workers. It is permanent and causes significant costs in dollars and human suffering. Early detection through periodic hearing screening is crucial in prevention of hearing loss. More importantly, regular hearing screening provides opportune moments to educate and motivate workers' attitudes and behaviors regarding hearing protection. Unfortunately many workers including construction workers and farmers do not have access to the hearing screening tests. Objective: To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention program with hearing screening test and personalized messages based on individuals' hearing status. Design: 3-year longitudinal intervention study. Setting & Subjects: Study was conducted in a construction worker union training center in a midwestern state. A total of 612 workers participated in the study: predominantly male (96%), white (92%), and middle-aged (mean age: 47years).
Method: This study applied interactive multimedia technology to develop and implement computer-based hearing screening test and tailored intervention. Multimedia program for instruction of hearing screening, interpretation of hearing test results, and immediate feedback on hearing test results were developed by a multidisciplinary team including scriptwriters, video and film production specialists, graphic designers, software engineers, audiologist, and nurse researchers. To evaluate the effectiveness of the program, participants were asked about their computer usage, satisfaction levels with the computerized hearing test, and overall program satisfaction. Findings: Although a large proportion of workers (37%) never used the computer, the majority of them (more than 96%) liked this interactive computer-based hearing screening and reported the computerized hearing test worked smoothly. Almost all (99%) said they would recommend the program to others. Implication: Participants' favorable feedback supports continued development of this innovative approach for various populations in a variety of settings for health promotion and risk reduction interventions in the future.
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Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003