Noise-induced hearing loss: what South African mineworkers know.

Current findings contribute towards evidence regarding internal barriers to effective application of best practice in hearing conservation programmes (HCPs). Findings highlight the important role of occupational audiologists in South African mines and the need for individualized education during medical surveillance to enhance efficacy of HCPs. Comprehensive education and training programmes regarding noise exposure and exposure measurements with consistent HPD efficiency assessments are recommendations emanating from these findings.