Objective: To investigate the use of earplugs among noise-exposed workers (Homo sapiens) in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, measure the personal attenuation rating (PAR) of earplugs when wearing earplugs, (Homo sapiens), analyze factors influencing the protective effect of earplugs, and evaluate the role of targeted wearing interventions in improving protective efficacy. Methods: From December 2022 to January 2023, 220 workers in noise-exposed positions from 3 enterprises in Bao'an District, Shenzhen were selected as subjects using the convenience sampling method. The Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) values of workers wearing earplugs were measured using a fit testing system. Combined with the results of a questionnaire survey, the individual differences in workers' baseline PAR were described. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for earplugs to achieve the protective effect. One-on-one wearing interventions were implemented for workers who failed to achieve the protective effect, and repeated PAR tests were conducted. The changes in PAR of 120 workers before and after the intervention were compared. Results: The median baseline PAR for 220 workers was 7 (0, 14) dB, and the intervention rate was 54.55% (120/220). There were differences in the baseline PAR of workers with different length of service, earplugs wearing time and experience, daily noise exposure time and intensity, training and the comfort of earplug use (P<0.05). The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that workers The comfort with earplugs wearing (OR=2.81, 95%CI: 1.49~5.33, P<0.01) and training (OR=6.60, 95%CI: 1.70~25.63, P<0.05) were the influencing factors of achieving the protective requirement. The median PAR was increased to 13 (11, 16) dB after intervention. Conclusion: The baseline protective effect of earplugs worn by workers is significantly influenced by comfort and enterprise training. One-on-one interventions can effectively improve the protective efficacy of those who fail to meet the requirements.
Wang et al. (Wed,) studied this question.