High frequency hearing loss of noise-exposed workers in a tire factory

Objective To understand the high frequency hearing loss of 953 noise-exposed workers in a tire factory and analyze its influencing factors.

Methods Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluated the occupational health examination data of 953 noise-exposed workers in a tire manufacturer in 2017 and the monitoring data of noise level at workplaces within this enterprise.

Results The average noise level at workplaces in this tire manufacturer varied from 82.0 to 91.2 dB(A). The detection rate of high frequency hearing loss of noise-exposed workers in this factory was 10.49%. Logistic regression results showed that female had a lower risk for high frequency hearing loss(OR=0.304, 95% CI:0.108-0.854), and workers with higher exposure level had a higher risk (OR=2.175, 95% CI:1.220-3.878).The risk increased with the increment of age(OR=1.963, 95% CI:1.388-2.775)and exposure time(OR=1.549, 95% CI:1.043-2.300).

Conclusion The heavy exposure to noise in this tire factory caused workers' high frequency hearing loss. Noise exposure was main influence factor for high frequency hearing loss of workers in this factory. We should pay attention to this problem and adopt comprehensive control measures to prevent the occurence of the occupational disease.