BACKGROUND:
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant occupational health concern among South African coal mine workers, with reported prevalence ranging between 20% and 40%.1 Persistent exposure to occupational noise, compounded by individual factors such as chronic medical conditions, lifestyle and leisure noise exposure, contributes to progressive auditory damage. Despite existing hearing conservation programmes, high rates of NIHL persist, highlighting the need for targeted, evidence-based interventions to mitigate risk and protect workers’ hearing.

METHODS:
This study will employ a quantitative design to develop evidence-based guidelines for NIHL prevention. Data on non-occupational risk factors including chronic medical treatments, leisure noise exposure and lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption and leisure noise exposure will be collected and analysed. Findings will inform the development of intervention guidelines, which will then be validated through the Delphi technique, engaging occupational health experts to ensure relevance, feasibility and consensus. Preliminary

RESULTS:
Based on the study objectives, literature indicates that coal mine workers are exposed to multiple risk factors for NIHL, including high occupational noise levels, concurrent ototoxic medication use and leisure noise exposure.2 These factors underscore the importance of comprehensive, multi-faceted prevention strategies that address both occupational and non-occupational determinants of hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONS:
The study will generate validated, evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of NIHL in South African coal mines. Implementation of these guidelines is expected to strengthen hearing conservation programmes, reduce NIHL incidence and provide practical guidance for occupational health policy and practice.