Cooperation between otolaryngologists and occupational health support centers

Abstract

Although prevention of noise-induced hearing loss is important, the risk of exposure to high-level sounds is not well recognized at workplaces. Occupational health support centers are expected to provide care resources for workers, wherein the workers can see an otolaryngologist to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. The Committee of Occupational and Environmental Health in the Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Society of Japan was planned to promote cooperation with occupational health support centers by means of registration of otolaryngologists as occupational health advisors. The committee conducted a survey using a questionnaire about the occupational health advisor registration process. Subsequently, there was an increase in the number of otolaryngologists who participated as occupational health advisors, with registrations occurring in 20 of the 47 occupational health support centers in Japan. Cooperation between otolaryngologists and occupational health support centers appears to be proceeding reasonably well and is the first step toward a more widespread effort for the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss at workplaces.