Occupational hearing impairment in coal mining across Asia-Pacific: Patterns, risks, and implications

Coal miners are among the most vulnerable workers exposed to hazardous occupational noise, leading to a heightened risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In the Asia-Pacific region, rapid industrial growth and variable enforcement of occupational health regulations pose additional challenges in preventing hearing impairment among miners. This study aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the patterns, risk factors, and contextual challenges associated with occupational hearing impairment among coal miners in the Asia-Pacific region, with the goal of informing policy and guiding future interventions. A systematic review was conducted across five major databases to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2025 that examined occupational hearing loss in coal mining populations in the Asia-Pacific region. The quality of included studies was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. Twelve studies from China, Australia, Turkey, and India met the inclusion criteria, covering over 130,000 miners. Findings consistently revealed a high prevalence of NIHL and high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL), with exposure duration, job category, and age identified as key contributing factors. Workplace conditions, outdated machinery, and inadequate use of personal protective equipment further exacerbated hearing risks. In addition, hearing loss often co-occurred with other occupational diseases such as pneumoconiosis and hypertension, suggesting a complex interplay of health risks in mining environments. Occupational hearing impairment remains a significant yet preventable health issue among coal miners in the Asia-Pacific. Strengthened hearing conservation programs, regulatory enforcement, and targeted research are urgently needed to reduce the burden of NIHL and promote long-term auditory health in this high-risk workforce.