Effects Of Occupational Noise Exposure Research Articles

Effects of Occupational Noise Exposure on Hearing Loss: Regulatory Effect of Mediterranean Diet.

To assess regulatory effect of Mediterranean diet for occupational noise exposure and hearing loss. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 4757 individuals. Weighted logistic regression model was adopted to explore the association of occupational noise exposure and Mediterranean diet with hearing loss, and regulatory effects of the Mediterranean diet for the relationship of occupational noise exposure and hearing loss. Results: Occupational noise exposure was associated with an increased odds of hearing loss. Under low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the occupational noise exposure group was related to increased odds of hearing loss. Under high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, no significant difference was observed between occupational noise exposure and hearing loss, and adjusted effect size was reduced accordingly. Conclusion: Mediterranean diet may moderate this relationship of occupational noise exposure and hearing loss to some degree.

TÜRKİYE SOMA HAVZASINDA YERALTI MADEN İŞÇİLERİNİN MARUZ KALDIKLARI GÜRÜLTÜ ETKİLERİNİN İSTATİSTİKSEL ANALİZİ

It is known that the problems created by noise cause numerous psychological, social, and various health consequences in many environments. One of the environments where noise exposure is observed most effectively is work areas. Recently, the number of studies on the effects of occupational noise exposure on worker performance and health has increased globally. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of exposure to noise on the cardiovascular system. The effects of the noise in the working environment of 100 workers who work or will work in the underground mining sector were examined. Physiological signals such as blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, and electrical activity of individuals were measured. The obtained data were analyzed statistically. Our study statistically suggests that noise is a cardiovascular risk factor. It can be assumed that cardiovascular changes are related to noise levels and exposure time, and these effects may also be due to individual susceptibility. In conclusion, the results obtained from this study show the existence of cardiovascular problems in workers working in underground mines and the usefulness of cardiology screening for workers working in this sector.

Effect of Occupational Noise Exposure on the Prevalence of Benign Vocal Fold Lesions: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

Voice abuse in noisy environments can result in voice disorders. However, insufficient studies have sought to differentiate vocal cord lesions through laryngoscopic examinations among workers in noisy environments. This study investigated the relationship between a history of noise exposure in the workplace and benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs). We used Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2010 to 2012. The chi-square test was used to compare characteristics between two groups according to the presence or absence of BVFLs. To investigate the association between BVFLs and noise exposure in the workplace, we calculated adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using multiple logistic regression analysis. In total, 10,170 participants with available laryngoscopy. were enrolled. Smoking history, hypertension, diabetes, and exposure to noise for more than 3 months at the workplace were significantly more common in participants with BVFLs. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, drinking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, income, education, and occupation as confounders, we confirmed that BVFLs were 1.52 times more likely (95% CI, 1.157-1.990) to occur in individuals with occupational noise exposure. Working in a noisy environment could induce BVFLs in workers through voice abuse. Social recognition that a noisy environment is a risk factor for BVFLs needs to be improved, and preventive measures should be implemented.

Effect of occupational noise exposure on cortisol hormone level: A systematic review

Introduction. The aim of this review was to investigate the possible association between noise exposure and cortisol hormone in all noise-exposed job classifications. Materials and methods. In this systematic review, the Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched from 1 January 1991 to 28 September 2021. As a result, all English relevant papers among any group of workers, in any workplace, and at any noise level were included. Abstracts without full texts, editorials, letters, case reports, conference proceedings, reviews, in-vitro, and animal studies were excluded. Furthermore, studies were removed in the case that they were conducted on children or general population, did not measure the noise levels in work environments, and simulated the workplace noise or used a noise chamber. Results. The initial search retrieved 5784 articles. Finally, 13 articles were considered for qualitative synthesis. Among all the included studies, most of them (10 vs. three), conducted in various industries reported a statistically significant association between occupational noise exposure and increased levels of cortisol hormone. Conclusion. Our qualitative synthesis of available evidence proposed a potential relationship between occupational noise exposure and cortisol hormone. So, noise can be considered an occupational health concern.

Effect of Occupational Noise Exposure on Cognition and Suprathreshold Auditory Skills in Normal-Hearing Individuals.

Adverse effects of noise exposure on hearing and cognition are well documented in the literature. Recently, it has becoming increasingly evident that noise exposure deteriorates suprathreshold auditory skills, even though the hearing sensitivity is intact. This condition is termed as cochlear synaptopathy or hidden hearing loss, which is apparent in animal models. However, equivocal findings are reported in humans. This study aimed at assessing the working memory, attention abilities, and suprathreshold hearing abilities in normal-hearing individuals with and without occupational noise exposure. We also explored the relationship between cognitive measures and suprathreshold auditory measures. The study participants were divided into two groups. All the participants had normal-hearing thresholds. The control group consisted of 25 individuals with no occupational noise exposure, whereas the noise exposure group had 25 individuals exposed to occupational noise of 85 dBA for a minimum period of 1 year. Working memory was assessed using auditory digit span (forward and backward), operation span, and reading span. The Erikson flanker test was used to evaluate attention abilities. The suprathreshold hearing was assessed in terms of gap detection thresholds and sentence identification in noise. The results showed that the noise exposure group performed poorly compared to the control group on all auditory and cognitive tasks except the reading span. The results of the study suggest that occupational noise exposure may hamper the cognitive skills and suprathreshold hearing abilities of the individual despite having normal peripheral hearing.

No effect of occupational noise exposure on auditory brainstem response and speech perception in noise.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether auditory brainstem response (ABR) and speech perception in noise (SPiN) were associated with occupational noise exposure in normal hearing young factory workers. Forty young adults occupationally exposed to noise and 40 non-exposed young adults (control group) from Zhejiang province in China were selected. All participants presented with normal hearing thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions. Participants were evaluated with the Mandarin Bamford-Kowal-Bench (BKB) test and ABR. The latter was obtained for click stimulus at 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 dBnHL. Peak-to-trough amplitudes and latencies for waves I and V were obtained. The ABR wave I amplitude, the wave I/V amplitude ratio, the slope of the wave I amplitude growth as a function of stimulus intensity (AMP-ISlope), and the wave V latency shift with ipsilateral noise (LAT-VSlope) were used as ABR outcomes. Finally, equivalent continuous average sound pressure level normalized to 8 h (LAeq.8h) and cumulative noise exposure (CNE) were obtained for noise-exposed participants. No significant differences between groups were found for any ABR outcomes. Noise-exposed participants exhibited worse BKB scores than control group participants. A multivariate regression model showed that 23.3% of the variance in BKB scores was explained by group category (exposed vs. non-exposed) and hearing thresholds. However, since none of the ABR outcomes exploring cochlear synaptopathy were associated with noise exposure, we cannot conclude that cochlear synaptopathy was the contributing factor for the differences between groups for BKB scores. Factors that go beyond sensory processing may explain such results, especially given socio-economic differences between the noise-exposed and control groups. We conclude that in this sample of participants, occupational noise exposure was not associated with signs of cochlear synaptopathy as measured by ABR and BKB.

Effect of Occupational Noise Exposure to Work-Fatigue of Indonesian Crumb Rubber Plants

The purpose of this research was to analyze the effect of noise on the level of work-fatigue in the production area of three crumb rubber plants at Padang City, Indonesia. It also examines the impact of age, period work, marital status, and education level on work-fatigue. Occupational noise in the working area was measured using a Sound Level Meter, while work-fatigue was measured using the Indonesian fatigue measurement questionnaire (KAPUK2). The respondents of this study were workers in these plants, 213 people in the wet-area, and 135 people in the dry-area. Results showed that the average noise of the production area had exceeded the threshold value, which was 90.98 dB. There were 26.19% experienced mild-fatigue, 71.43% moderate-fatigue, and 2.38% heavy-fatigue. Noise, age, and working experience were a related and significant influence on work-fatigue, where the probability value was respectively 0.046, 0.001, and 0.000 (p≤ 0.05). The results of multiple regressions showed that occupational noise was the most influential factor in the occurrence of work-fatigue with an odds ratio of 3.92.

мPhysiological Assessment of Miners’ Noise Exposure and Measures for Its Prevention

Introduction: To solve the tasks of preventing occupational diseases in workers of the mining industry, it is important to substantiate physiological indicators of tension of the regulatory systems of the human body under the negative impact of industrial noise and neuro-emotional work intensity and to assess the effectiveness of hearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Our objective was to identify physiological characteristics of adverse functional changes in workers of various professions in the mining industry exposed to the combined effect of occupational noise and work intensity to substantiate the use of hearing protection devices. Materials and methods: We studied indicators of concentration of attention, short-term memory, speed of perception of visual and auditory signals, and the index of functional changes in the circulatory system reflecting negative effects of occupational noise exposure combined with work intensity on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. We assessed occupational noise exposure by the equivalent sound level on the A-scale of a sound level meter per shift, work intensity, and conducted physiological studies of mining industry employees. Results: In miners, we established a 5.6-fold decrease in concentration of attention from the initial level and a 5.9-fold increase in the index of functional changes in the circulatory system compared with operators of robotic complexes, in which all indicators varied within the physiological norm. The maximum change in the parameters indicates the work tension that was the most pronounced in miners. The same extent of workplace stress was observed in operators of mineral processing plants and engineering and technical staff exposed to similar noise levels (60-70 dB, sometimes exceeding 90 dBA), while the lowest one was observed in the operators of robotic complexes, thus indicating maintenance of a sufficient level of working capacity during the work shift. The estimated miners’ index of functional changes in the circulatory system (2.69±0.08 points) demonstrated the state of functional stress. The individual analysis indicated a significant percentage of people with reduced unsatisfactory adaptation and the state of its failure (3.0±0.05 points) in this very professional group. According to the results of establishing a causal relationship between the increase in the functional tension by indicators of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system and occupational noise levels, emotional stress and adverse shift mode, the workplace stress was justified as a marker of the combined effect of noise and intensity of the work process. Conclusions: A high level of workplace stress accompanied by intensive occupational noise and work intensity factors is an indicator of a decreasing working capacity and development of a prognostically unfavorable functional state of the human body.

The influence of a noisy environment on hearing impairment and tinnitus: The hearing outcomes of 50-year-old male Japan ground self-defense force personnel

ObjectivesHearing loss is one of the biggest health problems in the world and occupational noise-induced hearing loss is recognized as the most common work-related illness. However, many factors that result in hearing loss make it difficult to define the specific factor that induces noise-induced hearing loss. To access the exact effect of occupational noise exposure on hearing, we conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of the relationship between noise exposure and hearing impairment in 50-year-old male Japanese Self-Defense Force (JSDF) personnel who work in a noisy environment. This population is ideal for the detection of noise-induced hearing impairments due to the homogeneity of genetic and social backgrounds. MethodsThe data utilized in this study were collected from a “50-year-old milestone health examination” of the JSDF from July 2013 to October 2015. One thousand sixty-seven male personnel were enrolled in the study. Pure-tone audiometry was conducted with an audiometer. A survey questionnaire asked participants to self-report occupational noise exposure. ResultsThis cohort revealed that noise-exposed personnel had a higher hearing threshold and a higher odds ratio in 1) the average threshold of 4 frequencies (500 + 1000 + 2000 + 4000 Hz / 4), 2) the average threshold of higher 3 frequencies (2000 + 4000 + 8000 Hz / 3), and 3) the threshold of 4 kHz compared to no noise-exposed control personnel. The prevalence of tinnitus was also significantly higher in the noise-exposed group. ConclusionsThis study provides specific evidence for the relationship between noise exposure and noise-induced hearing impairments.

The effects of occupational noise exposure on the cardiovascular system: a review

The effects of occupational noise exposure on the cardiovascular system: a review

Relationship between occupational noise exposure and hypertension in male steel workers

To analyze the effect of occupational noise exposure on hypertension in male steel workers. The general information, noise exposure and blood pressure were collected through questionnaires and physical examinations. Chi-square test was used to investigate the prevalence of hypertension under different cumulative noise exposure, and the effect of noise exposure and other factors on hypertension was analyzed by the restrictive cubic spline(RCS) combined with multivariatenon-condition Logistic regression model. The prevalence of hypertension in noise exposure group was higher than that in noise non-exposure group(P<0. 001). After adjusting for multiple factors, the restricted cubic spline model showed a dose-response relationship between cumulative noise exposure(CNE) and hypertension(overall correlation χ~2=75. 76, P<0. 001, and nonlinear χ~2=24. 17, P<0. 001). Compared with the steel workers exposure to lowest dose, the risk of hypertension of steel workers exposure to 82-94 and 95-107 dB(A) in group was 1. 81(95%CI 1. 31-2. 52) times and 2. 60(95%CI 1. 84-3. 68) times. There is a non-linear dose-response relationship between cumulative noise exposure and hypertension.

CARDIOVASCULAR AND HORMONAL DISORDERS AMONG WORKERS OCCUPATIONALLY-EXPOSED TO NOISE

Introduction: Noise exposure is a common risk factor for many health adverse effects like hearing impairment, cardiovascular diseases and psychosocial dysfunction. Hypercholesterolemia is suspected to be the main factor for the pathogenesis of prolonged noise-associated cardiovascular extra-auditory effects of occupationally-induced noise. Occupational stress and noise exposure were associated with lowering of total and free testosterone in active male workers which in turn was considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, obesity and many other diseases causing overall mortality. Aim of work: To evaluate the environmental measurement of occupational noise intensity at different units of concrete pipes industry and to assess the effect of occupational noise exposure (either auditory or extra-auditory) on the exposed workers with emphasis on cardiovascular symptoms, serum cholesterol and testosterone levels. Materials and methods: A comparative cross sectional is conducted upon 105 male workers in a company for reinforced concrete pipes at Cairo, Egypt. The study group ages ranged from 24- 60 years. Duration of work ranged from 2- 40 years. The workers are classified into two groups: group (A): 52 workers who are exposed to high level noise ≥ 85dB, and group (B): 53 workers who are exposed to low level noise < 85dB.Both groups were interviewed using specially designed questionnaire with emphasis on occupational history ,cardiac history ,history of hearing impairment and sleep disturbances .Clinical (general and systemic) examination was done. Laboratory investigations were performed including serum total cholesterol level, total and free serum testosterone levels. Results: The prevalence of hearing impairment was significantly higher among workers exposed to noise level above 85dBA (61.5% ) as well as the prevalence of cardiac symptoms as palpitation , ischemic heart diseases and history of catheterization were significantly higher among workers from group (A) (53.8%, 40.4% and 15.4% respectively). The levels of total serum cholesterol were significantly higher among workers exposed to noise levels above 85dBA (odds Ratio = 17.6) while total and free testosterone were significantly lower among the same group. Conclusion: The current study revealed that exposure to chronic occupational noise above 85dBA was associated with hypercholesterolemia that leads in turn to cardiovascular disorders and also associated with low levels of serum testosterone hormone.

Combined Effects of Occupational Noise Exposure and Shiftwork on Performance Tasks in a Seafaring Population

Combined Effects of Occupational Noise Exposure and Shiftwork on Performance Tasks in a Seafaring Population

Effects of occupational noise exposure on asymmetric hearing loss in automobile manufacturing workers

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of asymmetric hearing loss in automobile manufacturing workers and the effect of occupational noise exposure on asymmetric hearing loss. Methods: A cross-sectional approach was used in this study. From March 2017 to February 2018, Subjects (7066) from four complete vehicle factories were given a pure tone audiometry (Hearing thresholds were measured at frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz in each ear) and were required to complete a health-related information questionnaire. According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 6339 workers were selected. The mean hearing thresholds for the left and right ears at overall frequencies were compared using the repeated means analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The threshold differences at each frequency were compared using paired t tests. Results: The overall mean left minus right threshold difference across all frequencies was determined to be 0.58 dB, which met statistical significance (P<0.01) . Hearing threshold in the left ear was statistically significantly higher compared with the right ear at each frequency. The differences between binaural threshold shifts at each frequency among subjects with a asymmetry in terms of worse left ear and worse right ear were at the range of 6.17-9.87 dB and 6.39-10.92 dB, respectively. Hearing threshold in the left ear was statistically significantly higher compared with the right ear at only 2, 3 kHz of subjects with high-frequency hearing threshold shifts (HFHTs) more than 25 dB. Hearing threshold in the left ear was statistically significantly higher compared with the right ear at only 3 kHz of subjects with high-frequency hearing threshold shifts (HFHTs) more than 30 dB. With the increase of HFHTs, the proportion of subjects with a asymmetry at 2 and 3 kHz of more than 10 dB in terms of worse left ear and worse right ear increased. Conclusion: The average hearing threshold of the left ear across overall frequencies is higher compared with the right ear, the proportion of the cases with a higher left ear hearing threshold is higher that that of the cases with a higher right ear hearing threshold. As hearing loss caused by occupational noise exposure getting worse, the proportion of the cases with a higher left ear hearing threshold and the cases with a higher right ear hearing threshold may tent to be the same.

The effect of occupational noise exposure on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and salivary cortisol level among automotive assembly workers

Introduction. Both auditory and non-auditory health can be affected by exposure to occupational noise. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of high occupational noise (at three levels) with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and salivary cortisol concentration in an automotive factory. Methods. This study was carried out on 78 male workers from a factory who worked in the warehouse unit (control group: 60–70 dB(A)) and assembly units (two test groups: 75–85 and 85–95 dB(A)). Data were collected through questionnaires and measurement of SBP, DBP, saliva cortisol concentration and body mass index (BMI), prior to and post occupational noise exposure. The measurements were performed twice/day and repeated after 10 days. Results. For each occupational noise level group, there was no significant association between cortisol level with age and BMI. The SBP and DBP in all groups increased significantly. Also, the average cortisol levels were similar in different groups before noise exposure, but were statistically different after occupational noise exposure. Conclusions. High occupational noise exposure increases the cortisol level and blood pressure, which are the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

Research progress on the effects of occupational noise exposure on cardiovascular systen

Research progress on the effects of occupational noise exposure on cardiovascular systen

Effects of occupational noise on quality of life

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Noise is an unwanted sound which could possibly adversely impact an individual’s quality of life. The issue of occupational noise is of public health importance. Excessive noise can potentially affect the quality of life. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of occupational noise exposure on quality of life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This was a prospective community based study involving sawmill workers in Ile-Ife. Library and administrative staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife were used as control. The quality of life of all participants was evaluated with World Health Organization Quality of Life bref questionnaire and a designed noise exposure evaluation questionnaire.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; A total of 420 subjects were recruited for the study and similar number for control. There was a negative correlation between occupational noise and the physical and psychological domains of quality of life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Occupational noise level is associated with a reduction in the overall, physical and psychological components of the quality of life.&lt;/p&gt;

The Effect of Occupational Noise Exposure on Serum Cortisol Concentration of Night-shift Industrial Workers: A Field Study.

BackgroundIn both developed and developing countries, noise is regarded as the most common occupational hazard in various industries. The present study aimed to examine the effect of sound pressure level (SPL) on serum cortisol concentration in three different times during the night shift.MethodsThis case–control study was conducted among 75 workers of an industrial and mining firm in 2017. The participants were assigned to one of the three groups (one control and two case groups), with an equal number of workers (25 participants) in each group. Following the ISO 9612 standard, dosimetry was adopted to evaluate equivalent SPL using a TES-1345 dosimeter. The influence of SPL on serum cortisol concentration was measured during the night shift. The serum cortisol concentration was measured using a radioimmunoassay (RIA) test in the laboratory. Repeated measure analysis of variance and linear mixed models were used with α = 0.05.ResultsThe results indicated a downward trend in the serum cortisol concentration of the three groups during the night shift. Both SPL and exposure time significantly affected cortisol concentration (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001). Conversely, age and body mass index had no significant influence on cortisol concentration (p = 0.360, p = 0.62).ConclusionBased on the obtained results, increasing SPL will lead to enhancement of serum cortisol concentration. Given that cortisol concentration varies while workers are exposed to different SPLs, this hormone can be used as a biomarker to study the effect of noise-induced stress.

Effect of Occupational Noise Exposure on Sleep among Workers of Textile Industry

Effect of Occupational Noise Exposure on Sleep among Workers of Textile Industry

Dental Environmental Noise Evaluation and Health Risk Model Construction to Dental Professionals.

Occupational noise is unavoidably produced from dental equipment, building facilities, and human voices in the dental environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of occupational noise exposure on the dental professionals’ health condition. The psychoacoustics approach noise exposure assessment followed by the health risk assessment was carried on at the paediatric dentistry clinic and the dental laboratory in the Prince Philip Dental Hospital of Hong Kong. The A-weighted equivalent sound level, total loudness, and sharpness values were statistically significantly higher for the noise at the laboratory than that at the clinic. The degree of perceived influences and sharpness of noise were found to have the impacts on the dental professionals’ working performance and health. Moreover, the risk of having a bad hearing state would a have 26% and 31% higher chance for a unit increment of the short-term and long-term impact scores, respectively. The dental professionals with the service length more than 10 years and the daily working hours of more than eight showed the highest risk to their hearing state. The worse the hearing state was, the worse the health state was found for the dental professionals. Also, the risk of dissatisfaction would be increased by 4.41 and 1.22 times for those who worked at the laboratory and a unit increment of the long-term impact score. The constructed health risk mode with the scientific and statistical evidence is hence important for the future noise management of environmental improvement.