| Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a prevalent and preventable type of hearing loss that is caused by exposure to hazardous sound levels, which can include high sound levels over time as well as impact sound that may occur only once (Chou, Lai, & Kuo, 2009). Furthermore, occupational hazardous sound levels are one of the main causes of NIHL in adults (Azizi, 2010; Chou et al., 2009). The carnival industry, which is part of the amusement ride industry, may be at risk for NIHL. Noise dosimetry measurements were conducted and obtained on 20 carnival ride operators (18-87 years of age, n=18) during one week in October 2013 at an independent state fair (ISF). The twenty carnival ride operators were employed by independent carnival ride owners (ICROs) (n=12) and each operator worked on one carnival ride (n=20) during the study. Noise samples were collected on sequential days during the week (excluding Wednesday), on an average employee workday, utilizing noise dosimetry equipment worn by the carnival ride operator. Noise dosimetry results showed that 80% of the participants (n=16) exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) action level (AL) with mean values of 89.0 dBA TWA, 20% of the participants (n=4) exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure level (PEL) with mean values of 83.5 dBA TWA, and 85% of the participants (n=17) exceeded the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure level (REL) with mean values of 90.7 dBA TWA. Carnival ride operators employed by ICRO are at risk for developing NIHL due to the hazardous sound levels, which they are exposed to while on the job. The noise dosimetry data indicates that a hearing loss prevention program (HLPP) is needed for these employees. |
