Washington – The mining industry has the highest prevalence of hearing loss, according to a new study from NIOSH.

Researchers examined audiograms from 2000 to 2008 for workers with higher occupational noise exposure than the general population.

Other industries with higher risk for hearing loss were wood product manufacturing, building construction, and real estate and rental and leasing, the study abstract stated.

Researchers concluded mining, manufacturing and construction workers need better noise controls and hearing conservation strategies. They also called for more research on “low-risk” industries such as real estate.