Hearing conservation programs in Massachusetts' vocational/technical schools.

A survey of vocational/technical schools in Massachusetts was performed to evaluate the prevalence of and need for hearing conservation programs. The surveys were sent to the superintendents or principals of all 27 regional schools in Massachusetts. Surveys consisted of questions in the areas of shop noise exposure, use of safety equipment, and hearing conservation education. Results indicate that (1) many teachers and students may be exposed to hazardous noise levels (2) hearing protection is not required in one-third of the schools and is used less frequently than other safety equipment, and (3) teachers desire additional training in hearing conservation and would welcome the assistance of an audiologist. These results point out the need for obtaining measurements of noise levels in the school shops, designing hearing conservation programs for school settings, implementing mandatory use of hearing protection, and providing education in hearing conservation for students and teachers.