Personal Noise Exposure Research Articles

Noise Exposure of Workers on a Land Oil Rig Floor

Background: Noise exposure is one of the most important problems in workplaces and general environments. Noise exposures can have both auditory and non-auditory health effects. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the noise exposure levels in oil drilling rig floor and camp facilities in Ahvaz, Iran. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Environmental and personal noise exposure measurements were carried out by the method established by ISO-9612 with a sound level meter and noise level dosimeter. Results: All the measurements were performed in two parts of an oil drilling rig: the operation area and the camp area. The noise levels in 100 points in the rig area were between 54 - 110 dB. The noise levels were also measured in 38 points in the camp area and ranged between 52 - 100 dB. Conclusions: Our results showed that only 17% of the measured points in the oil drilling rig floor were in safe area; 39% were in caution area and 44% were in danger area. In the camp facilities area, 51% of the points were in safe area, 38% were in caution area and 11% in danger area. The main sources of noise exposure in the rig floor area were power generators.

The Association between Noise, Cortisol and Heart Rate in a Small-Scale Gold Mining Community-A Pilot Study.

We performed a cross-sectional pilot study on salivary cortisol, heart rate, and personal noise exposures in a small-scale gold mining village in northeastern Ghana in 2013. Cortisol level changes between morning and evening among participants showed a relatively low decline in cortisol through the day (−1.44 ± 4.27 nmol/L, n = 18), a pattern consistent with chronic stress. A multiple linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, and time between samples indicated a significant increase of 0.25 nmol/L cortisol from afternoon to evening per 1 dBA increase in equivalent continuous noise exposure (Leq) over that period (95% CI: 0.08–0.42, Adj R2 = 0.502, n = 17). A mixed effect linear regression model adjusting for age and sex indicated a significant increase of 0.29 heart beats per minute (BPM) for every 1 dB increase in Leq. Using standard deviations (SDs) as measures of variation, and adjusting for age and sex over the sampling period, we found that a 1 dBA increase in noise variation over time (Leq SD) was associated with a 0.5 BPM increase in heart rate SD (95% CI: 0.04–−0.9, Adj. R2 = 0.229, n = 16). Noise levels were consistently high, with 24-hour average Leq exposures ranging from 56.9 to 92.0 dBA, with a mean daily Leq of 82.2 ± 7.3 dBA (mean monitoring duration 22.1 ± 1.9 hours, n = 22). Ninety-five percent of participants had 24-hour average Leq noise levels over the 70 dBA World health Organization (WHO) guideline level for prevention of hearing loss. These findings suggest that small-scale mining communities may face multiple, potentially additive health risks that are not yet well documented, including hearing loss and cardiovascular effects of stress and noise.

Short-term exposure to noise, fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides on ambulatory blood pressure: A repeated-measure study

Exposure to road traffic noise, fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5μm; PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) has been associated with transient changes in blood pressure, but whether an interaction exists remains unclear. This panel study investigated whether noise, PM2.5 and NOx exposure were independently associated with changes in 24-h ambulatory blood pressure. We recruited 33 males and 33 females aged 18–32 years as study subjects. Personal noise exposure and ambulatory blood pressure were monitored simultaneously in 2007. During the data collection periods, 24-h data on PM2.5 and NOx from five air-quality monitors within 6km of participants' home addresses were used to estimate their individual exposures. Linear mixed-effects regression models were used to estimate single and combined effects on ambulatory blood pressure. Exposure to both noise and PM2.5 was significantly associated with increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) over 24h; NOx exposure was only significantly related to elevated DBP. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure increased with the current noise exposure of 5 A-weighted decibels (dBA) (SBP 1.44 [95% confidence interval: 1.16, 1.71]mmHg and DBP 1.40 [1.18, 1.61]mmHg) and PM2.5 exposure of 10-µg/m3 (SBP 0.81 [0.19, 1.43]mmHg and DBP 0.63 [0.17, 1.10]mmHg), as well as the current NOx exposure of 10-ppb (DBP 0.54 [0.12, 0.97]mmHg) after simultaneous adjustment. These findings suggest that exposure to noise and air pollutants may independently increase ambulatory blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Street-level noise in an urban setting: assessment and contribution to personal exposure.

BackgroundThe urban soundscape, which represents the totality of noise in the urban setting, is formed from a wide range of sources. One of the most ubiquitous and least studied of these is street-level (i.e., sidewalk) noise. Mainly associated with vehicular traffic, street level noise is hard to ignore and hard to escape. It is also potentially dangerous, as excessive noise from any source is an important risk factor for adverse health effects. This study was conducted to better characterize the urban soundscape and the role of street level noise on overall personal noise exposure in an urban setting.MethodsStreet-level noise measures were obtained at 99 street sites located throughout New York City (NYC), along with data on time, location, and sources of environmental noise. The relationship between street-level noise measures and potential predictors of noise was analyzed using linear and logistic regression models, and geospatial modeling was used to evaluate spatial trends in noise. Daily durations of street-level activities (time spent standing, sitting, walking and running on streets) were estimated via survey from a sample of NYC community members recruited at NYC street fairs. Street-level noise measurements were then combined with daily exposure durations for each member of the sample to estimate exposure to street noise, as well as exposure to other sources of noise.ResultsThe mean street noise level was 73.4 dBA, with substantial spatial variation (range 55.8-95.0 dBA). Density of vehicular (road) traffic was significantly associated with excessive street level noise levels. Exposure duration data for street-level noise and other common sources of noise were collected from 1894 NYC community members. Based on individual street-level exposure estimates, and in consideration of all other sources of noise exposure in an urban population, we estimated that street noise exposure contributes approximately 4% to an average individual’s annual noise dose.ConclusionsStreet-level noise exposure is a potentially important source of overall noise exposure, and the reduction of environmental sources of excessive street- level noise should be a priority for public health and urban planning.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12940-015-0006-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Empirical estimation of the grades of hearing impairment among industrial workers based on new artificial neural networks and classical regression methods

Background:Prediction models are used in a variety of medical domains, and they are frequently built from experience which constitutes data acquired from actual cases. This study aimed to analyze the potential of artificial neural networks and logistic regression techniques for estimation of hearing impairment among industrial workers.Materials and Methods:A total of 210 workers employed in a steel factory (in West of Iran) were selected, and their occupational exposure histories were analyzed. The hearing loss thresholds of the studied workers were determined using a calibrated audiometer. The personal noise exposures were also measured using a noise dosimeter in the workstations. Data obtained from five variables, which can influence the hearing loss, were used as input features, and the hearing loss thresholds were considered as target feature of the prediction methods. Multilayer feedforward neural networks and logistic regression were developed using MATLAB R2011a software.Results:Based on the World Health Organization classification for the grades of hearing loss, 74.2% of the studied workers have normal hearing thresholds, 23.4% have slight hearing loss, and 2.4% have moderate hearing loss. The accuracy and kappa coefficient of the best developed neural networks for prediction of the grades of hearing loss were 88.6 and 66.30, respectively. The accuracy and kappa coefficient of the logistic regression were also 84.28 and 51.30, respectively.Conclusion:Neural networks could provide more accurate predictions of the hearing loss than logistic regression. The prediction method can provide reliable and comprehensible information for occupational health and medicine experts.

Environmental Noise and the Association with Occupational Stress among Palm Oil Mill Workers

In palm oil mills the environmental sound level, resulting from operating machineries, is usually exceeding the action level of noise (85dB(A)). Whereas the excessive noise can develop chronic job stress, thus this study aims to determine the relationship between personal noise exposure and occupational stress among palm oil mill workers. A cross sectional study was done among 173 workers at five selected mills namely in Perak, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Environmental noise and personal noise exposure measured using Sound Level Meter (Model: Lutron SL-4112) and Dosimeter (Model: wireless110A) respectively. Alpha-amylase activity was used to determine the non-auditory effects of noise through determining the stress level. Results showed that, 100% of the workers among exposed group (PNE≥85 dB (A)) experiencing stress condition while 43% of non-exposed group (PNE<85dB (A)) experiencing stress condition. Statistically alpha amylase activity in stimulated condition among exposed group was significantly higher than non-exposed group (t-value=-3.983, p-value=0.000). As the conclusion, there is a significant relationship between alpha amylase activity and personal noise exposure among palm oil mill workers. (rs=0.725, p-value=0.000)

Prediction of hearing loss among the noise-exposed workers in a steel factory using artificial intelligence approach.

Prediction of hearing loss in noisy workplaces is considered to be an important aspect of hearing conservation program. Artificial intelligence, as a new approach, can be used to predict the complex phenomenon such as hearing loss. Using artificial neural networks, this study aims to present an empirical model for the prediction of the hearing loss threshold among noise-exposed workers. Two hundred and ten workers employed in a steel factory were chosen, and their occupational exposure histories were collected. To determine the hearing loss threshold, the audiometric test was carried out using a calibrated audiometer. The personal noise exposure was also measured using a noise dosimeter in the workstations of workers. Finally, data obtained five variables, which can influence the hearing loss, were used for the development of the prediction model. Multilayer feed-forward neural networks with different structures were developed using MATLAB software. Neural network structures had one hidden layer with the number of neurons being approximately between 5 and 15 neurons. The best developed neural networks with one hidden layer and ten neurons could accurately predict the hearing loss threshold with RMSE = 2.6 dB and R(2) = 0.89. The results also confirmed that neural networks could provide more accurate predictions than multiple regressions. Since occupational hearing loss is frequently non-curable, results of accurate prediction can be used by occupational health experts to modify and improve noise exposure conditions.

An intervention for noise control of blast furnace in steel industry.

Noise pollution is currently a major health risk factor for workers in industries. The aim of this study was to investigate noise pollution and implement a control intervention plan for blast furnace in a steel industry. The measurement of sound pressure level (SPL) along with frequency analysis was done with the sound-level-meter Cell-450. Personal noise exposure was performed using dosimeter TES-1345 calibrated with CEL-282. Before planning noise controls, acoustic insulation properties of the furnace control unit and workers' rest room were assessed. Control room and workers' rest room were redesigned in order to improve acoustical condition. The SPL before intervention around the Blast Furnace was 90.3 dB (L) and its dominant frequency was 4000 Hz. Besides, noise transmission loss of the control and rest rooms were 10.3 dB and 4.2 dB, respectively. After intervention, noise reduction rates in the control and rest rooms were 27.4 dB and 27.7 dB, respectively. The workers' noise dose before and after the intervention was 240% and less than 100%, respectively. Improvement the workroom acoustic conditions through noise insulation can be considered effective method for preventing workers exposure to harmful noise.

Task-Specific Noise Exposure During Manual Concrete Surface Grinding in Enclosed Areas—Influence of Operation Variables and Dust Control Methods

Noise exposure is a distinct hazard during hand-held concrete grinding activities, and its assessment is challenging because of the many variables involved. Noise dosimeters were used to examine the extent of personal noise exposure while concrete grinding was performed with a variety of grinder sizes, types, accessories, and available dust control methods. Noise monitoring was conducted in an enclosed area covering 52 task-specific grinding sessions lasting from 6 to 72 minutes. Noise levels, either in minute average noise level (Lavg, dBA) or in minute peak (dBC), during concrete grinding were significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with general ventilation (GV: on, off), dust control methods (uncontrolled, wet, Shop-Vac, HEPA, HEPA-Cyclone), grinding cup wheel (blade) sizes of 4-inch (100 mm), 5-inch (125 mm) and 6-inch (150 mm), and surface orientation (horizontal, inclined). Overall, minute Lavg during grinding was 97.0 ± 3.3 (mean ± SD), ranging from 87.9 to 113. The levels of minute Lavg during uncontrolled grinding (98.9 ± 5.2) or wet-grinding (98.5 ± 2.7) were significantly higher than those during local exhaust ventilation (LEV) grinding (96.2 ± 2.8). A 6-inch grinding cup wheel generated significantly higher noise levels (98.7 ± 2.8) than 5-inch (96.3 ± 3.2) or 4-inch (95.3 ± 3.5) cup wheels. The minute peak noise levels (dBC) during grinding was 113 ± 5.2 ranging from 104 to 153. The minute peak noise levels during uncontrolled grinding (119 ± 10.2) were significantly higher than those during wet-grinding (115 ± 4.5) and LEV-grinding (112 ± 3.4). A 6-inch grinding cup wheel generated significantly higher minute peak noise levels (115 ± 5.3) than 5-inch (112 ± 4.5) or 4-inch (111 ± 5.4) cup wheels. Assuming an 8-hour work shift, the results indicated that noise exposure levels during concrete grinding in enclosed areas exceeded the recommended permissible exposure limits and workers should be protected by engineering control methods, safe work practices, and/or personal protective devices.

Development of a subjective loudness rating scale

Objective: In an earlier study (), detailed noise exposure measurements were obtained through individual dosimetry. In this further analysis of the data we ask the question “Can the effort required to converse in noise be used to estimate the experienced A-weighted noise level?” Design: The noise levels experienced during specific activities were obtained from the analysis of dosimetry results from personal noise exposure meters worn by study participants. The measured noise levels from particular events were compared to a subjectively judged ‘loudness rating’ reported by the person wearing the dosimeter during the measured event. Study sample: Volunteers (females = 20, males = 22) between 18 and 35 years (average age = 26.8) willing to wear dosimeters and keep a simple activity log. Results: The relation between the objectively measured and the subjectively judged levels was consistent for the group over a large number of events. Conclusions: The subjective loudness rating index was shown to be a convenient tool that can be utilized for the retrospective estimation of noise levels from individual activities.

Noise Exposure of School Teachers – Exposure Levels and Health Effects

Abstract Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences and Faculty of Medical Sciences starting from December 2012, launched joint study in order to investigate personal noise exposure and associated health effects in general school teachers population, starting from kindergartens up to high schools in Stip, Macedonia. In order to determine workplace associated noise exposure and associated health effects in this specific profession, a full shift noise exposure of 40 teachers from 1 kindergarten, 2 primary and 2 high schools were measured in real conditions using noise dosimeters. A-weighted equivalent-continuous sound pressure levels (LAeq) of each teacher were recorded during single activities (classes). Normalized 8-hours exposure, termed the noise exposure level (Lex;8 h) was also computed. Daily noise dose is another descriptor for noise exposure that was determined as a measure of the total sound energy to which workers have been exposed, as a result of working in the varying noise levels. Health effects were assessed trough a full scale epidemiological study which included 231 teachers from the same schools. Specific questionnaire was used to extract information about subject’s perception on occupational noise exposure, as well as theirs occupational and medical history.

EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES IN THE PREVENTION OF NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS

BackgroundThis paper reports on the second part of a major study in New Zealand to identify effective strategies for the prevention of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL).Aims/Objectives/PurposeThe objective of the...

Evaluation of Potential Noise Exposures in Hospital Operating Rooms

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation request from West Virginia University Hospital, Morgantown, to evaluate noise exposures from surgical instruments in the OR. Four surgical technologists, four RNs, and one surgeon wore noise dosimeters to measure full-shift personal noise exposures during two days while they performed typical daily activities. Measurements did not exceed Occupational Safety and Health Administration or National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health noise exposure limits; however, area sound level measurements indicated that some intermittent activities can generate sound levels above 90 A-weighted decibels. Examples include surgery preparation, drilling or noise from other powered surgical instruments during surgeries, and clean up. Preventive maintenance of powered surgical instruments can reduce noise exposures, and noise output should be considered when selecting replacement instruments. Keeping music at a low level and using hearing protection are other interventions to consider to improve noise levels in an OR.

The objective-subjective assessment of noise: Young adults can estimate loudness of events and lifestyle noise

Objective: The aim of the study was to establish whether individuals can subjectively estimate: (1) the loudness of events with respect to the objectively measured noise level; and (2) the overall loudness of their daily noise exposure level. Design: Participants wore personal noise exposure meters for up to five days. During this time, participants kept diaries of daily events and estimated the loudness of these events and their overall noise exposure using 1-to-10 rating scales. Study sample: A group of 45 volunteers aged between 18 and 35 years participated in the study. Results: 86% of participants’ subjective estimates were significantly correlated with the objective noise measurements. Multiple regression showed that age, overall lifestyle noise, and diary quality were predictors of the strength of correlation observed. In addition participants’ subjective estimates of their overall noise exposure were significantly correlated with their actual average daily noise exposure. Conclusions: Results suggest that individuals can make a reasonable estimate of the loudness of events they experience and the overall level of noise they experience. These results may have significant influence for those interested in producing effective hearing health awareness programs in that individuals may be capable of assessing their own degree of hazard exposure.

Influence of a wearer’s voice on noise dosimeter measurements

In recent years, interest in personal noise exposure has expanded beyond a workplace safety measure to become an effective means of investigating physiological effects of the acoustic environment on an individual. This work investigates the effects of the wearer's voice as a possible dominant sound source on body-mounted noise dosimeters and develops methods to improve the application of dosimeter measurements in medium-level noise environments. Subjects experienced a controlled set of acoustic conditions while wearing a dosimeter. In each condition, sound pressure levels were recorded with and without the subject speaking controlled phrases. Three experimental variables were considered-room type, noise type, and noise level. All three variables had a statistically significant effect upon the contribution of speech to a dosimeter measurement; for example, noise level was shown to cause a change in speech contribution by as much as 5.5 dB between sequential levels. Based upon the analysis, a method of predicting the decibel contribution of a wearer's voice was developed. The results of this study can be used to estimate the effect of a wearer's voice on dosimeter measurements in medium-level noise environments.

Noise frequency components and the prevalence of hypertension in workers

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a relationship between noise exposure and hypertension, but the association between hypertension and noise frequency components remains unclear. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between noise exposure at different frequencies and the prevalence of hypertension in 188 screw-manufacturing workers. Participants were divided into one high-noise-exposure group (≥80 A-weighted decibel, [dBA]; n=68) and two reference groups, including 68 low-noise-exposure workers (75.8±3.2 dBA) and 52 office workers (61.5±0.5dBA). Personal noise exposure and environmental octave-band analyses were performed at work. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for hypertension between different noise-exposure categories after adjustment for potential confounders. Male workers exposed to noise levels at high frequencies of 2000, 4000 or 8000Hz had a higher but non-significant risk of hypertension. Those exposed to ≥80dBA for 2–4years, 4–6years and more than 6years had a 4.43-fold (95% CI=1.21–16.15), 1.21-fold (95% CI=0.35–4.21) and 0.95-fold (95% CI=0.16–5.60) risk of hypertension, respectively, compared with reference workers. A significant association was only observed in male workers exposed to ≥70dBA at 4000Hz for 2–4years (adjusted OR=4.22; 95% CI=1.15–15.49) and was not found at other frequencies for any periods. These findings suggest that occupational noise exposure above 80dBA for specific periods may be associated with hypertension, and noise frequency at 4000Hz may have the greatest effect on hypertension.

Objektive Bestimmung der 24-Stunden-Gesamtlärmbelastung: eine Querschnittsstudie in Bayern

Noise can affect well-being and performance of individuals and might be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. To date most epidemiological studies considered exposure from a single source of noise. The EU Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC) requires a summative measurement of ambient noise. This study aimed to capture the participants' exposure to environmental noise by means of personal noise dosimetry. Children (n=628, participation=61%, age 8-12 years), adolescents (n=632, participation=58%, age 13-17 years) and adults (n=482, participation=40%, age 18-65 years) were selected randomly from the population registry of 4 Bavarian towns and were invited to participate in a 24-h measurement using noise dosimetry. Noise exposures during day and night were analyzed separately. In addition, predictors of noise exposure were assessed. For daytime noise exposure mean±standard deviation were in children 80.0±5.8 dB(A), in adolescents 76.0±6.2 dB(A), in adults 72.1±6.1 dB(A) (p(ANOVA)<0.001). During the day personal noise exposure was statistically significantly higher for participants from smaller towns than for those living in Munich, while nighttime noise exposure was highest for participants from Munich [44.1±7.2 dB(A)]. The summative noise exposure in urban Bavaria is high, in particular among children at daytime. Increased exposure levels in children might be caused by themselves while, e.g., playing. Whether the higher daytime exposure in towns is due to high noise levels commuting between home and work has to be assessed in future studies.

Subjective and objective personal noise exposure and hypertension: an epidemiologic approach

Evidence for an association between chronic noise exposure and hypertension has been observed in several studies but suffers from limitations like crude exposure assessment. In this analysis, an association between noise exposure and hypertension was investigated using personal noise dosimeters. Study population included 628 children (8-12 years of age), 632 adolescents (13-17 years of age) and 482 adults (18-65 years of age). Response was highest in children (61%) followed by adolescents (58%) and adults (40%). Noise exposure was assessed using personal dosimeter measurements over 24 h. In addition, subjective assessment of "positive" and "negative" experienced noise was recorded using a "noise diary". Estimates of association between noise and hypertension were obtained by logistic regression analysis, stratifying for age group and adjusting for sex. A statistically significant association between night-time noise exposure and hypertension was observed in the group of adolescents and adults (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.04-2.13). Regarding subjective exposure, a non-significant trend was seen in this age group between negative noise annoyance during daytime and hypertension. For children, neither a statistically significant association between objective nor subjective exposure and hypertension could be observed. Using objective personal measurements, an association between noise exposure, particularly during night-time, and hypertension could be detected among adolescents and adults. Differentiating between night-time and daytime exposure and considering subjective annoyance through presumably "positive" versus "negative" experienced noise can be important aspects in future studies. Moreover, dosimeter measurements over longer periods of time could be carried out to obtain an even better exposure assessment.

The Research of Hearing Loss in Polyester Fiber Workers

PP-29-174 Background/Aims: Noise problems received respect gradually in working places and one of high prevalent occupational diseases was noise hearing loss. If it proceeded precautions beforehand and carried out Hearing Conservation Program certainly, noise-induced hearing loss could be prevented. The cross-sectional study measured the noise in working places and compared by questionnaires. Methods: The study measured a polyester fiber factory and workers who were 89 exposed subjects and administrators were 38 nonexposed subjects. The working places were estimated using the environmental noise spectrum analysis (LD-824). The personal noise exposure level was estimated using noise-dosimeter and the pure tone audiometry by OSCILLA SM910. According to the gauge sequence surveyed it. Results: The result was that Leq = 89.4 ± 2.6 dB(A) was higher in working places by exposed group. It was more evident high than administrators nonexposed group, which Leq = 60.8 ± 5.6 dB(A). Bilateral hearing thresholds compared that result found left ears (37.0 ± 16.5 dB(A)) vs. right ears (36.8 ± 15.4 dB(A)) with a dip at 4 kHz. In a multivariate logistic model, the high frequency trisection odds ratio was 3.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: = 1.3–7.8), 6–10 years Odds Ratio = 3.4 (95% CI: = 1.1–10.5), and over 11 years Odds Ratio = 3.9 (95% CI: = 1.4–10.6) by exposed group. To accompany increasing seniority, hearing loss was more serious. Conclusion: Personal noise levels were over occupational noise exposure standard 85 dB(A) by workers. In all, 77.5% workers used ear plugs but 22.5% did not use. The factory should notice workers who used ear plugs truly or not. The employer should avoid hearing loss to ensure health for workers.

OCCUPATIONAL NOISE AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK BY EXAGGERATED BLOOD PRESSURE RESPONSE AT EXERCISE IN EXPOSED WORKERS

The relationship between occupational noise exposure and hypertension as well as other coronary risk factors is recently highlighted. The objective of this study was to investigate if exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise testing can be used as a predictive tool for cardiovascular risk stratification in relation to occupational noise exposure.Subjects and Methods: Normotensive male workers free from diabetes and cardiovascular disease, in one of the industrial facilities in Alexandria were included in the study. Personal noise exposure levels were measured for workers exposed to noise in compressors and maintenance workshops as mean time weighted average (TWA). Three groups were considered each one comprised 50 workers representing high noise exposed group (compressor operators with TWA 90±4 dBA), low noiseexposed group (maintenance workers with TWA 79±6 dBA) and non exposed group from administrative staff. After ethical consideration and obtaining a written consent,all participants were subjected to a questionnaire about personal and occupational data including perceived noise annoyance. Conventional coronary risk factors were measured. A standard symptom limited ergometer exercise test with Bruce protocol was performed and peak exercise hemodynamic variables were defined. Exaggerated blood pressure response at exercise was defined as peak SBP > 200 mmHg and/or peakDBP > 95 mmHg.Results: The three groups were similar in socio-demographic data. Exaggerated BP response at exercise was significantly more prevalent among high noise exposed group in comparison to other groups. The sensitivity and specificity of the suggested test in predicting high risk cases (those with ≥ 3 risk factors) were 77.5% and 84.6% respectively. Logistic regression analysis of results of the predictive test showed significant relation to noise level, perceived noise annoyance, resting HR and LDLcholesterol (P< 0.05 for all). Conclusion and recommendations: Exaggerated BP response to exercise can be used as a predictive tool for early detection of high risk noise exposed workers in occupational health preventive programs. Noise exposure levels should be reduced tosafe health criteria.