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Productivity Burden of Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Australia: A Life Table Modelling Study

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  • Si Si

    (School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia)

  • Kate Lewkowski

    (School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia)

  • Lin Fritschi

    (School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia)

  • Jane Heyworth

    (School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia)

  • Danny Liew

    (School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia)

  • Ian Li

    (School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia)

Abstract

Background: Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is one of the most common yet preventable occupational diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate the economic burden of ONIHL in the Australian working population by quantifying and monetising ONIHL—related loss of Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY) and Productivity Adjusted Life Years (PALYs). Methods: We simulated the number of moderate-to-severe ONIHL by multiplying the age-specific prevalence of occupational noise exposure by the excess risks of ONIHL. Life table modelling was applied to workers with ONIHL. The QALY and PALY weights attributable to hearing loss were sourced from published data. The 2016 Gross Domestic Product per full-time equivalent worker in Australia was used to estimate the cost of productivity loss due to ONIHL. The cost due to the loss of well-being was quantified using willingness to pay thresholds derived from an Australian longitudinal study. Results: Under current occupational noise exposure levels in Australia, we estimated that over 80,000 male workers and over 31,000 female workers would develop ONIHL over 10 years of exposure. Following this cohort until the age of 65 years, the estimated loss of QALYs and PALYs were 62,218 and 135,561 respectively, with a projected loss of AUD 5.5 billion and AUD 21.3 billion due to well-being and productivity loss, respectively. Reducing noise exposure at work would substantially reduce the economic burden of ONIHL. Conclusion: ONIHL imposes substantial burden on Australian economy. Interventions to reduce occupational noise exposure are warranted.

Suggested Citation

  • Si Si & Kate Lewkowski & Lin Fritschi & Jane Heyworth & Danny Liew & Ian Li, 2020. "Productivity Burden of Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Australia: A Life Table Modelling Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-9, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:13:p:4667-:d:377737
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huang, Li & Frijters, Paul & Dalziel, Kim & Clarke, Philip, 2018. "Life satisfaction, QALYs, and the monetary value of health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 131-136.
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    1. Nicola Diviani & Shelly Chadha & Malachi Ochieng Arunda & Sara Rubinelli, 2021. "Attitudes towards Safe Listening Measures in Entertainment Venues: Results from an International Survey among Young Venue-Goers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Luther Dogbla & Cédric Gouvenelle & Florence Thorin & François-Xavier Lesage & Marek Zak & Ukadike Chris Ugbolue & Barbara Charbotel & Julien S. Baker & Bruno Pereira & Frédéric Dutheil, 2023. "Occupational Risk Factors by Sectors: An Observational Study of 20,000 Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-16, February.

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