scholarly journals The prediction and risk point score (RPS) of high frequency hearing loss in noise exposed workers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruican Sun ◽  
Weiwei Shang ◽  
Yingqiong Cao ◽  
Yajia Lan

Abstract Background: Occupational hearing loss is a significant occupational health concern in many countries, and high frequency hearing loss (HFHL) is an early symptom. Based on realistic demands, we aimed to build a prediction risk model of HFHL and developed the related risk point score (RPS). The results of this study are expected to provide technological support for interventions and management to enhance application-oriented research of HFHL.Methods: A total of 32121 participants who were noise exposed workers were enrolled. The datasets from the National key occupational diseases survey (NKODS) performed from 2014 to 2017 in Sichuan Province in China were utilized. The sociodemographic and occupational characteristics were assessed by standardized questionnaires, and the level of HFHL were collected by audiometric testing and was defined as a binaural high frequency threshold average (BHFTA) over 40 dB in the right and left ears. The risk prediction models were generated by linear logistic regression, and based on the models, the risk point score (RPS) of HFHL were calculated. Results: Of the 32121 participants in the study, 9.97% (n=4029) of workers had HFHL (BHFTA ≥ 40 dB). Age (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.071–1.083), sex (OR=3.34, 95% CI: 2.880–3.636), noise exposure time (OR=1.01, 95% CI: 1.008–1.018), manufacturing industry (OR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.302–1.647), construction industry (OR=2.14, 95% CI: 1.488–3.069), mining industry (OR=2.57, 95% CI: 2.225–2.957), foreign enterprise (OR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.781–1.122), and private enterprise (OR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.200–1.442) were predictors of HFHL (P<0.05). By comparing the two risk prediction models, the 40 dB HL criterion model was found to be more effective than the 25 dB HL criterion model (AUC=0.637). Verification of the two models revealed that the 25 dB HL criterion model was more stable than the 40 dB HL criterion.Conclusion: The study found that the prevalence of HFHL was moderate in Sichuan Province. Sex, age, noise exposure years, and employment in the manufacturing industry, construction industry, mining industry, foreign enterprise, or private enterprise were predictors of HFHL, and the development of the RPS of HFHL is necessary for application-oriented research on HFHL.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruican Sun ◽  
Weiwei Shang ◽  
Yingqiong Cao ◽  
Yajia Lan

Abstract Background Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant occupational health concern in many countries. Based on the realistic demands, we aimed to build the prediction risk model of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) and developed the related risk point score (RPS). The results of this study expect to provide technology support for interventions and management, in order to enhance the application-orientated research on NIHL. Methods A total of 40433 participants of noise exposed workers were enrolled. The datasets from The National Key Occupational Diseases Survey (NKODS) from 2014 to 2017 in Sichuan province of China. The socio-demographic and occupational characteristics used the standardized questionnaires, and the level of NIHL were collected by audiometric testing, which was defined as binaural high-frequency threshold average (BHFTA) over 40dB. The prediction model expressed by linear format of logistic regression and based on model calculated the risk point score (RPS) of NIHL. Results Of the 40433 participants in the study, there are 9.97%(n=4029) of workers have NIHL (BHFBA >40). Age (OR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.071-1.083), sex (OR=3.34, 95%CI:2.997-3.715), noise exposure time (OR=1.01, 95%CI: 1.008-1.017), manufacturing industry(OR=1.35, 95%CI:1.207-1.500), construction industry (OR=2.59, 95%CI: 1.941-3.458), mining industry (OR=2.42, 95%CI: 2.132-2.740), foreign enterprise(OR=1.14, 95%CI: 0.962-1.353), private enterprise(OR=1.48, 95%CI: 1.361-1.603) are predictors of NIHL( P <0.05). The risk prediction model has a better effectiveness of NIHL (AUC= 0.7150). According to the NIHL- RPS calculated the individual score was 75 that the risk probability of NIHL was 37.97%. Conclusion The study found that the prevalence of NIHL at a moderate level in Sichuan province. Sex, age, noise exposure time, manufacturing industry, construction industry, mining industry, foreign enterprise, private enterprise are predictors of NIHL, and to develop the NIHL-RPS is necessary for application-orientated research on NIHL.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruican Sun ◽  
Weiwei Shang ◽  
Yingqiong Cao ◽  
Yajia Lan

Abstract Background High-frequency hearing loss is a significant occupational health concern in many countries, and early identification can be effective for preventing hearing loss. The study aims to construct and validate a risk model for HFHL, and develop a nomogram for predicting the individual risk in noise-exposed workers. Methods The current research used archival data from the National Key Occupational Diseases Survey-Sichuan conducted in China from 2014 to 2017. A total of 32,121 noise-exposed workers completed the survey, of whom 80% workers (n = 25,732) comprised the training cohort for risk model development and 20% workers (n = 6389) constituted the validation cohort for model validation. The risk model and nomogram were constructed using binary logistic models. The effectiveness and calibration of the model were evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration plots, respectively. Results A total of 10.06% of noise-exposed workers had HFHL. Age (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.083–1.104), male sex (OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 2.85–3.702), noise exposure duration (NED) (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.093–1.201), and a history of working in manufacturing (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.314–1.713), construction (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.531–3.421), mining (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 2.238–3.081), or for a private-owned enterprise (POE) (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.202–1.476) were associated with an increased risk of HFHL (P < 0.05). Conclusions The risk model and nomogram for HFHL can be used in application-oriented research on the prevention and management of HFHL in workplaces with high levels of noise exposure.


Author(s):  
Wei Gong ◽  
Liangliang Zhao ◽  
Ling Li ◽  
Thais C. Morata ◽  
Wei Qiu ◽  
...  

A survey was administered to 385 noise-exposed workers from an auto parts factory and 1268 non-noise-exposed health department employees in China. Individual 8 h A-weighted equivalent sound levels (LAeq,8h), earplug personal attenuation ratings (PARs), and pure-tone audiometric tests were performed. The average LAeq,8h of noise-exposed workers was 87 dB (A) with a mean PAR of 7 dB. The prevalence of high-frequency hearing loss was 65% for noise-exposed workers and 33% for the non-noise-exposed employees. The use of earplugs had no observable effect on the prevalence of high-frequency hearing loss of the study participants (OR 0.964, 95% CI 0.925–1.005, p = 0.085). No significant relationship between the effectiveness offered by earplug use and high-frequency hearing thresholds at 3, 4, and 6 kHz was found (t = −1.54, p = 0.125). The mandatory requirement of earplug use without individualized training on how to wear HPDs correctly had no detectable effect on the prevention of hearing loss at the auto parts factory. The hearing conservation program at the surveyed factory was not effective. Periodic hearing tests, earplug fit testing, expanding the offer of different types of hearing protection, and employee education about the importance of protecting their hearing were recommended to the occupational health and safety program.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-40
Author(s):  
Piotr Olszewski ◽  
Magdalena Lachowska

This paper presents risk factors of noise-induced hearing loss and harmful effects of noisy work environment on farmers. Longterm exposure to high-volume sounds leads to degenerative changes of ear structures. The paper presents the consequences of exceeding legal limits on noise exposure in agriculture. The risk of occupational noise exposure and its consequences, such as high frequency hearing loss, is significant in the group of farmers, regardless of whether they work in crop, livestock or mixed production.


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