Analysis of factors affecting the noise-induced high frequency hearing loss of male workers in a vehicle manufacturing enterprise

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationships between the exposure of occupational noise and the occurrence of noise-induced high frequency hearing loss in automobile manufacturing industry. Methods: From June to November 2017, 1579 male workers were selected for exposure to noise hazards in the automobile manufacturing industry in Guangzhou for more than one year (including one year) using the convenient sampling method. According to the hearing test results, 276 people in the high frequency hearing loss group and 1303 in the normal hearing group were surveyed, occupational health tests were conducted, and the noise intensity in the workplace was measured. The cumulative noise exposure (CNE) was calculated. The relationship between shift work and high frequency hearing loss of noise work is analyzed. Results: Compared with the normal hearing group, the noise exposure intensity, age, length of service, marital status, working system, and physical exercise of the high frequency hearing loss group were statistically significant (P<0.05). Through logistic regression analysis, after correcting the effects of organic solvent contact, marital status, and physical exercise, CNE, age, and shift operations (double-shift operations, three-shift operations) are the risk factors for high frequency hearing loss to occur. Conclusion: The risk of hearing loss of workers exposed to noise in the whole vehicle manufacturing industry may be related to CNE, age, and shift work. Two-shift and three-shift work are possible risk factors for noise-induced high frequency hearing loss.