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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health

Open Access 22-04-2024 | Original Paper

Hearing Difficulties Among Farmworkers in the México-US Southwest Border Region

Authors: Laura Coco, Gabriela D. Sanchez, Gabriel A. Campuzano, Annie J. Keeney, James K. Romine

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health

Abstract

Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are a vulnerable population with a potentially high risk for hearing loss due to farm-related noise exposures. Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is permanent, and it is associated with an increased risk for injuries on the job, as well as communication difficulties, isolation, and depression. The México/US border region is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, however, no known studies have explored hearing loss among farmworkers in this area. This pilot study was a first step toward measuring and addressing hearing loss and noise exposure among this region’s farmworkers. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of subjective hearing difficulties among Yuma County, Arizona farmworkers. Survey interviews took place during a late-night farmworker health fair from 2 am to 6 am to accommodate local farms’ labor schedules. Multivariable regression adjusted for demographic and work covariates estimated subjective hearing loss prevalence ratios. Among 132 farmworker participants, 36% reported they have or might have hearing loss, and 62% reported no hearing loss. Subjective hearing loss prevalence was lower in farmworkers who report not working in noise compared to prevalence in farmworkers who work in noise [prevalence ratio, 0.44 (95% CI 0.23–0.82)]. This report contributes to understanding the perception of hearing-related health and occupational exposures among farmworkers in the México-US Southwest border region. The information from this line of research will inform appropriate safety measures known to lower the risk of experiencing occupational NIHL.

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Title: Hearing Difficulties Among Farmworkers in the México-US Southwest Border Region
Authors: Laura Coco
Gabriela D. Sanchez
Gabriel A. Campuzano
Annie J. Keeney
James K. Romine
Publication date: 22-04-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-024-01592-8

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Hearing Difficulties Among Farmworkers in the México-US Southwest Border Region

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