Interventions to prevent noise-induced hearing loss in farmworkers: a scoping review

Farmworkers are at increased risk for noise-induced hearing loss. This scoping review aimed to summarise the evidence on interventions to prevent NIHL among farmworkers and to identify gaps and priorities for future research. The review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework and was reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Twenty-three studies published between 1999 and 2023 met the inclusion criteria. Most (88%) were conducted in the United States. The majority employed educational strategies targeting intent to use hearing protection or self-reported use. Although educational approaches were generally effective, interventions that increased access to hearing protection were linked to higher self-reported use. Nearly half of the studies (n = 11) focused solely on individual-level outcomes. Although most existing NIHL prevention efforts have focused on education, structural approaches appear more promising for sustainable impact.