AAS Open Research Open Peer Review Discuss this article (0) Comments RESEARCH ARTICLE Research into occupational noise induced hearing loss in South African large-scale mines: Access denied? [version 1; referees: 2 approved with reservations] Nomfundo F. Moroe , Katijah Khoza-Shangase Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa Abstract The South African mining industry is frequently criticized for its Background: poor health and safety record and high numbers of fatalities, thereby prompting researchers to conduct research on challenges faced by this industry. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of conducting audiological research into occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL) within the South African mining sector. Specific objectives involved determining ease of identifying focal persons in charge of hearing conservation programmes (HCP); establishing response time and rate of identified focal person for interviews; and exploring focal person’s willingness to share information regarding HCP. A qualitative research strategy comprising online desk research and Methods: interviews was undertaken through purposive sampling to recruit participants. Data were collected through checklists, logbooks and interviews. Deductive thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Gaining access into the mining sector is negatively impacted by the Results: following factors: firstly, contact details of focal person are not always listed on the websites. Secondly, prolonged response rate between initial contact and the time in which the participants respond. Lastly, unwillingness to share information regarding the management of ONIHL and progress made in HCP at various mines. Findings contribute evidence regarding possible barriers to Conclusions: effective and successful implementation of application of best practice in HCPs; guided by evidence that is contextually relevant. Challenges with accessing mines for research purposes by external and independent researchers arguably impacts on the available evidence produced by mines, due to a possible unavoidable conflict of interest. Success of HCPs depend on objective evidence regardless of whether it paints the mining industry in positive or negative light. It is only when this evidence is critically engaged with, that real and effective solutions can be deliberated and implemented. Clear, transparent, and open lines of communication between various stakeholders are key to achieving this. Keywords Access, audiologists, hearing conservation programmes, large-scale mines, response rate, focal persons, occupational noise exposure, South Africa Referee Status: Invited Referees version 1 published 18 Apr 2018 1 2 report report , Ear Science Robert H. Eikelboom Institute Australia, Australia 1 , Centers for Disease Christa L. Themann Control and Prevention, USA 2 18 Apr 2018, :4 (doi: ) First published: 1 10.12688/aasopenres.12829.1 18 Apr 2018, :4 (doi: ) Latest published: 1 10.12688/aasopenres.12829.1 v1 Page 1 of 20 AAS Open Research 2018, 1:4 Last updated: 24 JUL 2018