Audiometric data base analysis (ADBA): Opening comments

The primary goal of audiometric data base analysis (ADBA) procedures is the determination of the effectiveness of an existing hearing conservation program in terms of the program's ability to prevent significant on-the-job noise induced hearing loss. To be able to achieve this goal in the real world, it is necessary that one or more reliable indicators be defined that can be implemented practically within the management and personnel framework of existing industrial hearing conservation programs. The paper present some history-related information regarding past efforts in developing ADBA procedures and the efforts of the S12.12 Working Group (Evaluation of Hearing Conservation Programs), and the objectives for this special session on ADBA procedures. Some considerations for the requirements of an ADBA procedure to be useful in indicating the level of effectiveness of a hearing conservation program will be reviewed, as well as factors that have been shown or are assumed to significantly influence audiometric data and thereby affect the outcome of applying different ADBA procedures.