Exploring the practices that occupational health nurse practitioners use when implementing the hearing conservation program in selected manufacturing and mining industries in gauteng

Background: The Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) has been reported to be effective in protecting the hearing of South African workers who are exposed to occupational noise. In order to reduce noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among employees, a multi-disciplinary team approach that includes the Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners (OHNPs) during implementation of the hearing conservation program is needed. Objectives: To observe the practices of occupational health nurse practitioners when implementing the hearing conservation program; and to describe the practices employed by occupational health nurse practitioners when implementing the hearing conservation program through interviews. Research Method: A qualitative research using a focused ethnography research design was followed to explore the practices of OHNPs. A purposive sampling method was used, and data was collected by means of observations and unstructured face to face interviews. Data was analyzed using the framework as outlined by Roper and Shapira. Findings: The four main themes that were revealed were: hearing conservation as an element of occupational health surveillance, using an audio/hearing booth, artefacts that are used in conducting a hearing conservation program, and people involved in the hearing conservation program. With regards to hearing conservation, findings revealed that despite the occupational health and safety legislation and programs that are in place, workers in the manufacturing and mining industries are still facing continuous and substantial risk for occupational hearing loss. For HCP to be successful, OHNPs should work with administration to develop and implement the HCP by assisting management towards incorporating the program within the company goals. Conclusion: Despite the few changes that the world is seeing in terms of hearing conservation effectiveness, it is still the employer’s duty and obligation to provide and maintain as far as reasonably practical a work environment that is safe and without risk to the health and safety of employees. The occupational health practice at large together with the employer must ensure that the workplace is free of hazardous ergonomics and substances which may cause injury or occupational health-related illnesses.