Abstract
Purpose of ReviewWorkplace noise negatively impacts health, and noise-induced hearing loss is the most common work-related disease in many countries. Occupational noise may also cause cardiovascular disease, and there is epidemiologic evidence on the non-auditory effects of noise. This paper aims to briefly present and summarize the latest evidence on the auditory and non-auditory health effects of occupational noise exposure from the last 5 years.Recent FindingsTwo systematic reviews assessing the cardiovascular effects of occupational noise exposure were published in the last year. Our own recent review found convincing evidence of an association between occupational noise exposure > 80 dB(A) and hypertension and a dose-response relationship between noise exposure and hypertension risk. Another review of cardiovascular disease conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) found an increased risk of incident ischemic heart disease at noise exposures ≥ 85 dB(A). Recent reviews on work-related injuries, diabetes, acoustic neuroma, and pregnancy outcomes also find noise-related associations.SummaryEvidence of an association between occupational noise and cardiovascular outcomes was recently evaluated. We found the risk of hypertension increases with a clear dose-response relationship at noise levels > 80 dB(A). The WHO/ILO review highlights the lack of quality research including women. Additional high-quality research on epigenetic effects, oxidative stress, work-related injuries, diabetes, acoustic neuroma, and pregnancy outcomes is also needed. Urgently needed (increased) measures of workplace noise reduction will reduce the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss and help prevent cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension.
Highlights
Noise is one of the most common work-related occupational hazards
We sorted the reviews according to health outcome categories, outcomes and we describe the results of these reviews below, beginning with the outcome most frequently researched: cardiovascular disease
A subgroup analysis was performed for occupational noise exposure, resulting in an odds ratio (OR) of 1.08
Summary
Noise is one of the most common work-related occupational hazards. According to the 2015 European Survey on Working Conditions (ECWS), 28% of European workers reported being exposed to loud noise during at least onefourth of their working time, with the percentage ranging from 18% in Malta and Portugal to 44% in Turkey [1]. In the USA, 25% of workers reported a history of occupational. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most frequently recognized occupational disease in many countries. A comparison of five countries, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Denmark, found the recognization of NIHL as an occupational disease ranged from 6 cases per 100,000 persons in France to 33 cases per 100,000 in Denmark [6]. Understanding and recognizing the health effects of noise exposure is essential to promoting a safe workplace for millions of workers
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