scholarly journals An overview of occupational noise-induced hearing loss among workers: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and preventive measures

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kou-Huang Chen ◽  
Shih-Bin Su ◽  
Kow-Tong Chen

Abstract Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the most prevalent occupational disease in the world. The goal of this study was to review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and preventive measures of ONIHL among workers and provide evidence for the implementation of control measures. Literature studies were identified from the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the search terms “noise-induced hearing loss” “prevalence”, “pathogenesis”, and “preventive measures”. The articles reviewed in this report were limited from 2000 to 2020. Articles that were not published in the English language, manuscripts without an abstract, and opinion articles were excluded. After a preliminary screening, all of the articles were reviewed and synthesized to provide an overview of the current status of ONIHL among workers. The mechanism of ONIHL among workers is a complex interaction between environmental and host factors (both genetic and acquired factors). The outcomes of noise exposure are different among individual subjects. Clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the treatment effect of antioxidants on ONIHL. Noise exposure may contribute to temporary or permanent threshold shifts; however, even temporary threshold shifts may predispose an individual to eventual permanent hearing loss. Noise prevention programs are an important preventive measure in reducing the morbidity of ONIHL among workers.

1985 ◽  
Vol 121 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELELYN TALBOTT ◽  
JAMES HELMKAMP ◽  
KARAN MATHEWS ◽  
LEWIS KULLER ◽  
ERIC COTTINGTON ◽  
...  

AAOHN Journal ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 313-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
OiSaeng Hong ◽  
Daniel G. Samo

Noise-induced hearing loss ranks among the most significant occupational health problems. In the united states, more than 1 million firefighters are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss due to exposure to hazardous levels of intermittent noise from sirens, air horns, and engines of emergency vehicles and fire trucks. Although irreversible, noise-induced hearing loss is entirely preventable through both engineering controls and personal protective equipment. This article describes occupational noise exposure, hearing loss, and strategies to prevent noise-induced hearing loss among firefighters.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e039576
Author(s):  
Jiena Zhou ◽  
Zhihao Shi ◽  
Lifang Zhou ◽  
Yong Hu ◽  
Meibian Zhang

ObjectiveMost of the Chinese occupational population are becoming at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). However, there is a limited number of literature reviews on occupational NIHL in China. This study aimed to analyse the prevalence and characteristics of occupational NIHL in the Chinese population using data from relevant studies.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsFrom December 2019 to February 2020, we searched the literature through databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, the China National Knowledge Internet, Chinese Sci-Tech Journal Database (weip.com), WanFang Database and China United Library Database, for studies on NIHL in China published in 1993–2019 and analysed the correlation between NIHL and occupational exposure to noise, including exposure to complex noise and coexposure to noise and chemicals.ResultsA total of 71 865 workers aged 33.5±8.7 years were occupationally exposed to 98.6±7.2 dB(A) (A-weighted decibels) noise for a duration of 9.9±8.4 years in the transportation, mining and typical manufacturing industries. The prevalence of occupational NIHL in China was 21.3%, of which 30.2% was related to high-frequency NIHL (HFNIHL), 9.0% to speech-frequency NIHL and 5.8% to noise-induced deafness. Among manufacturing workers, complex noise contributed to greater HFNIHL than Gaussian noise (overall weighted OR (OR)=1.95). Coexposure to noise and chemicals such as organic solvents, welding fumes, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide led to greater HFNIHL than noise exposure alone (overall weighted OR=2.36). Male workers were more likely to experience HFNIHL than female workers (overall weighted OR=2.26). Age, noise level and exposure duration were also risk factors for HFNIHL (overall weighted OR=1.35, 5.63 and 1.75, respectively).ConclusionsThe high prevalence of occupational NIHL in China was related to the wide distribution of noise in different industries as well as high-level and long-term noise exposure. The prevalence was further aggravated by exposure to complex noise or coexposure to noise and specific chemicals. Additional efforts are needed to reduce occupational noise exposure in China.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Amosu C.O. ◽  

Noise and noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) in the workplace is a serious issue. Not only can it affect hearing, it can also affect ability to work safely. This is because noises make it difficult to hear instructions or safety warnings. Mine workers each have a responsibility for safety in relation to noise. This paper informs underground and surface mine operators and mine workers to recognise, manage and control risks associated with occupational noise exposure. It explains the health effects of noise, source and noise exposure types; measurement of exposure standards and control measures that can reduce these risks.


Author(s):  
Mariam Buqammaz ◽  
Janvier Gasana ◽  
Barrak Alahmad ◽  
Mohammed Shebl ◽  
Dalia Albloushi

Although the effect of hearing loss on years lived with disability (YLD) is quite substantial, occupational hearing loss among migrant workers is significantly under-studied. In Kuwait, where nearly two-thirds of the population are migrant workers, the burden of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is unknown. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of ONIHL among migrant workers in Kuwait and explore workplace and individual risk factors that are associated with ONIHL. We obtained data of annual physical exams for the year 2018 conducted by the Shuaiba Industrial Medical Center (SIMC) for all industrial workers in the area. We applied univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to estimate the effects of individual and occupational characteristics on ONIHL. A total of 3474 industrial workers visited the SIMC for an annual exam. The vast majority were men (99%) and non-Kuwaitis (98%) with a median age of 38 years. A total of 710 workers were diagnosed with ONIHL with a prevalence of 20.4%. Age, years of experience, and self-reported exposure to noise were associated with statistically significant higher odds of ONIHL. When adjusted for age, years of experience, and other individual level factors, type of industry was not a statistically significant predictor of ONIHL. The study uncovers the significant burden of hearing loss among the migrant worker subpopulation in Kuwait, an area of occupational health that is often underestimated or unrecognized. Although laws and regulations are in place to prevent and control noise in the workplace, the onus is on local authorities to ensure the necessary training and controls aimed to reduce noise exposure.


2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-227
Author(s):  
Abirvab Naha ◽  
Nasima Akhtar ◽  
Pran Gopal Datta ◽  
Mohammad Habibur Rahman ◽  
Riashat Azim Majumder ◽  
...  

Background: Occupational noise is considered as a global problem with social and physiological impacts, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). High levels of occupational noise is a problem in all regions of the world. Road traffic produces high noise levels that can cause damage to the traffic police hearing. Hence, occupational hearing loss is a well-known outcome of noise exposure at work. Objectives: The study aimed to measure the noise exposure level at different traffic points and determine the occurrence rate and severity of hearing loss among the traffic police of Dhaka Metropolitan City. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2017-2019 in 28 selected traffic points of Dhaka Metropolitan City under four traffic zone (East, West, North, and South) and among 100 traffic police who were working there and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Noise exposure level was measured from all selected traffic points with a digital sound level meter. Data were collected by face to face interview with a pretested semi-structured questionnaire followed by an otoscopic examination, tuning fork tests, and a baseline audiogram. To see the association, Chi-square tests or Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) tests were performed. Results: This study revealed that the average noise exposure level at East, West, North, and South zones are respectively 125.6 dB, 112.9 dB, 121.3 dB, and 119.4 dB. At every point, the noise exposure level was more than the acceptable limit set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In the audiometry report of 100 traffic police, 64% had sensorineural hearing loss. Of them 85% had mild, 9% had moderate and 6% with severe hearing loss. Notch in 4 kHz in an audiogram was present in the right ear of 46% of respondents and left ear of 52% respondents. It was observed that hearing loss was significantly associated with increasing age and job duration. Conclusion: Traffic police of Dhaka Metropolitan City is in constant risk of noise induced hearing loss as the ambient noise of this city is very high. Regular assessment and hearing screening is recommended for all the traffic police who are exposed to noise. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2020; 46(3): 219-227


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 693-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yona Vaisbuch ◽  
Jennifer C. Alyono ◽  
Cherian Kandathil ◽  
Stanley H. Wu ◽  
Matthew B. Fitzgerald ◽  
...  

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