Relationship Between Occupational Noise and Hypertension in Modern Enterprise Workers: A Case–Control Study

Objective Many epidemiological studies have reported an association between occupational noise exposure and hypertension among workers, but have failed to obtain conclusive results. Thus we aimed to assess whether there is a relationship between hypertension and occupational noise. Methods This study adopted a case–control design to verified the relationship of occupational noise and hypertension. This study included 1527 subjects (case group, 509 individuals; control group, 1018 individuals) from a modern automobile manufacturing company. The information includes the general characteristics, occupational factors, and data collected from physical examination, hematology and serology testing. Two-sample t-tests, The Chi-square test, the Ridit analysis method were used for comparing variables. A non-conditional logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis based on single factor analysis. Results Toxin exposure was found to be a risk factor for the occurrence of hypertension in workers who were exposed to noise in modern enterprises (OR=3.45).Heart rate was significantly different between the case and control groups (OR=5.98). Occupational noise exposure is a risk factor for hypertension, and the risk of hypertension for people exposed to noise intensity ≥80 dB is 2.23 times (95% CI 1.62–3.06) higher than that for people exposed to noise intensity <80 dB. Conclusions Occupational noise exposure is an independent risk factor for hypertension. it can be used to direct the new criteria of noise exposure limit to protect worker’s health.

Association between occupational or environmental noise exposure and renal function among middle-aged and older Korean adults: a cross-sectional study

Exposure to occupational and environmental noise is closely linked to various auditory system diseases. Few studies have focused on the effect of noise exposure on the extra auditory system, especially the urinary system. We analyzed 17,154 participants aged 40–79 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2013 and 2018. A self-reported questionnaire was used to assess occupational or environmental noise exposure. Logistic regression was used to determine the differences in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on noise exposure characteristics. For participants with noise exposure, linear regression was performed to determine relationship of the noise exposure period and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In the noise exposure group, a higher CKD prevalence was associated with females who experienced long-term occupational noise (≥ 240 months) (adjusted OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.11–6.66). An increase of one month of occupational noise exposure was associated with a 0.0106 mL/min/1.73 m2 decrease in eGFR in females aged < 60 years. Overall, noise exposure may be a risk factor for reduced renal function, especially long-term occupational noise exposure. More precise studies should determine (1) the relationship between noise and renal function and (2) the underlying mechanisms.

Effects of Noise and Control in Mine Operation

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.

Effects of Noise and Control in Mine Operation

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.

Noise-induced Hearing Loss and Hypertension Among Occupational Noise-exposed Workers: a Pilot Study Based on Baseline Data

Background: Noise is a widespread occupational hazardous factor affecting the health of workers in occupational health field. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and hypertension are the important biological adverse effects caused by occupational noise exposure. This study aimed to determine the binaural high frequency (3, 4, and 6 kHz) threshold on average (BHFTA) and levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), to assess the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension and determine the factors influencing the risk of both, and to evaluate the association between NIHL and hypertension among occupational noise-exposed workers. Methods: Questionnaire and occupational health checkup were performed to collect the personal information and physical examination data. Finally, baseline data from 42,588 occupational noise-exposed workers were analyzed. Noise intensity in the workplaces was measured using sound level meter. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was measured at 3, 4 and 6 kHz using diagnostic audiometer. Moreover, blood pressure level was measured using automated sphygmomanometer. Results: The mean levels of BHFTA, SBP, and DBP were 23.09 ± 11.32 dB, 126.85 ± 15.94 mm Hg, 79.94 ± 11.61 mm Hg. Of the 42,588 subjects, the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension were 24.38% (n = 10,383) and 25.40% (n = 10,816). The results suggested that higher risk of NIHL and hypertension were more likely to be the subgroups of male gender, aged > 35 years, noise exposure time > 5 years, noise exposure level > 85 dB (A) and smoking. The BHFTA, SBP, and DBP levels increased with the age, noise exposure time and exposure level (Ptrend < 0.001). Besides, similar trends were also observed in the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension. Furthermore, there was a significant association of NIHL with hypertension. We found that 32.25% (n = 3,348) workers with NIHL had hypertension. The mean levels of SBP and DBP in NIHL workers were significantly higher than those with normal hearing (P < 0.001). Besides, workers with NIHL had a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension than normal hearing workers (adjusted OR = 1.07, 95%CI = 1.02-1.13). Conclusion: Our current findings suggest that the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension are high in the studied workers and occupational noise exposure is an important factor. Therefore, it is urgent to reduce noise exposure in the workplaces and to strengthen industrial noise monitoring.

Occupational Noise Exposure and Diabetes Mellitus: A 3-year Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study

The global prevalence of diabetes has been increasing. However, occupational environmental factors influencing it have been poorly studied. The effect of occupational noise exposure on diabetes is somewhat controversial. Thus, this study examines the relationship between occupational noise exposure (≥85 dBA) and diabetes incidence. Participants (n = 58,284) were recruited from a Common Data Model cohort of two hospitals from 2013 or 2014 and were annually followed up for three years. Drug history, clinical history of diabetes, and/or fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL or more were defined as new-onset diabetes. Multivariable time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models and Landmark analysis were implemented to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Pooled HRs and 95% CIs were calculated using the weight obtained through standard error. Of the participants, 4.65% developed diabetes during the follow-up. The final adjusted pooled HR of Cox models indicated a significant relationship between occupational noise exposure and increased risk of diabetes (Time-dependent Cox: HR 1.35 [95% CI 1.17–1.57]; Landmark: HR 1.22 [95% CI 1.10–1.35]). There is a significant relationship between occupational noise exposure and incidence of diabetes. Screening for diabetes, active management, and prevention may be necessary to improve the health of individuals exposed to occupational noise.