Exposição de ciclistas ao ruído em uma cidade média brasileira / Cyclists noise exposure in a Brazilian medium-sized city

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a exposição dos ciclistas ao ruído em uma cidade média brasileira. Um sensor móvel foi utilizado para as medições de ruído em ruas com e sem infraestruturas cicloviárias segregadas. O método proposto contempla as seguintes etapas: i) caracterização da área de estudo; ii) coleta e validação de dados; iii) cálculo dos indicadores de exposição; e iv) comparação e representação de resultados em mapas. Dois tipos de análises foram realizadas, por agregação espacial e por agregação temporal. Para isto, as medições foram inicialmente organizadas em 1.200 nós distribuídos nos percursos considerados. Os resultados apontam que os ciclistas que percorrem alguns trechos na cidade de São Carlos podem estar expostos a uma proporção considerável de ambientes com altos níveis de ruído. Nos dois trechos selecionados para este estudo, o ciclista esteve exposto à níveis acima do valor adotado (> 75dBA) em 33,2% e 18,9% dos nós. Além disso, observou-se que a possibilidade de trabalhar concomitantemente dois indicadores relacionados amplia os critérios de classificação dos trechos quanto à exposição do ruído.

Abstract This study aimed to assess cyclists' exposure to noise in a medium-sized Brazilian city. Mobile sensors were used to conduct noise measurements in streets with and without dedicated cycling infrastructures. The method can be summarized in the following procedures: i) characterization of the study area; ii) data collection and validation; iii) calculation of exposure indicators; and iv) comparison and representation of the results on maps. Two strategies were adopted for the analysis, namely, spatial data aggregation and temporal data aggregation. Thus, measurements were initially organized in 1,200 nodes distributed along the paths. The results indicate that bicycle riders in São Carlos may be exposed, in some routes, to a high proportion of high noise-level segments. In the two routes selected for this study, the cyclist was exposed to noise levels above the adopted threshold (> 75dBA) in 33.2% and 18.9% of the nodes. Also, the possibility of simultaneously working with two related indicators has broadened the classification criteria of the route segments regarding noise exposure.

Estudio Transversal: Hipoacusia Laboral Inducida por Ruido en Personal de Aeronáutica del Ejército Ecuatoriano y Factores Asociados. Quito ­ Ecuador, 2014 - 2016 / Cross-sectional research: Noise-induced Occupational Hypoacusis in Aeronautical Personnel of the Ecuadorian Army and Associated Factors. Quito - Ecuador, 2014 - 2016

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hipoacusia laboral inducida por ruido es una patología ocupacional frecuente, responsable de pérdidas de la audición sino se controla a tiempo. El objetivo del estudio fue establecer la prevalencia de hipoacusia laboral inducida por ruido y factores relacionados en el personal de aeronáutica del ejército. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal analítico en el personal tripulación del ejército ecuatoriano, Quito ­ Ecuador, período 2014 ­ 2016 que relacionó asociación causal entre hipoacusia laboral inducida por ruido con variables como edad, función, rango, antecedentes de hipoacusia en el servicio militar. Se trabajó con todo el personal de vuelo, 112 militares en servicio activo. RESULTADOS: El promedio de edad fue de 37 años. Todos eran varones. El 55.4 % pertenecía a tropa y 44. 6 % eran oficiales. El 44.6 % eran pilotos; 28.6 % mecánicos y 26.8 % ingenieros de vuelo. La prevalencia de hipoacusia general fue del 35.6 %; la de hipoacusia unilateral fue del 19.6 % y de la bilateral del 16 %. La frecuencia de antecedentes de hipoacusia laboral asociada a ruido en la aeronáutica fue del 60.7 %. La prevalencia de hipoacusia leve fue del 17.8 %; moderada con 6.7 % y severa con 1.35 %. Las variables asociadas a hipoacusia laboral inducida por ruido en el personal militar en funciones de vuelo fueron: la edad, el rango, la función y antecedentes de hipoacusia. El oído izquierdo suele afectarse más que el derecho. La hipoacusia bilateral más frecuente fue la leve derecha con agudeza normal izquierda (10.7 %). CONCLUSIONES: La hipoacusia laboral inducida por ruido es multifactorial y puede ser reversible si se detiene el causal o si se llevan a cabo medidas de protección adecuadas. El nivel de hipoacusia en el personal militar de vuelo tiene asociación con: la edad, el rango, la función y los antecedentes de hipoacusia laboral en funciones de vuelo.

BACKGROUND: Hearing loss is induced by noise in job and is a frequent illness, responsible of hearing loss if it is not controlled on time. The aim of this study is establish the prevalence of hearing loss and related factors in army aviation personnel. METHODS: An analytical cross - sectional study of the Ecuadorian army crew, Quito - Ecuador, between 2014 and 2016, which related a causal association between hearing loss induced by noise in job with variables such as age, function, rank and backgrounds of hearing loss in military service. It worked with all the personnel of flight 112 military in active service. RESULTS: The mean age was 37 years. All were male. 55.4% belonged to troops and 44. 6 % were officers. 44.6 % were pilots; 28.6 % were mechanics and 26.8 % were flight engineers. The prevalence of general hearing loss was 35.6 %. The prevalence of unilateral hearing loss was 19.6 % and bilateral prevalence was 16 %. The frequency of antecedents of occupational hearing loss associated with aviation noise in this staff was of 60.7 %. The prevalence of mild hearing loss was 17.85 %; moderate hearing loss 6.7 % and severe of 1.35 %, no profound hearing loss was reported. The variables associated with decreased auditory acuity are: age, aviation exercise time, range, function, and history of hearing loss within the aeronautical field. Bilateral damage has a statistical tendency with age and association with the range. No deep hearing loss was found. CONCLUSION: Noise-induced occupational hearing loss is multifactorial and may be reversible if the cause is stopped or appropriate protective measures are taken. The level of hearing loss in military flight personnel has an association with: age, range, function, and history of occupational hearing loss in flight functions.

Background noise analysis in urban airport surroundings of Brazilian cities, Congonhas Airport, São Paulo / Análise do ruído de fundo no entorno de aeroportos urbanos em cidades brasileiras, Aeroporto de Congonhas, São Paulo

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To perform a quantitative analysis of the background noise at Congonhas Airport surroundings based on large sampling and measurements with no interruption. METHODS Measuring sites were chosen from 62 and 72 DNL (day-night-level) noise contours, in urban sites compatible with residential use. Fifteen sites were monitored for at least 168 hours without interruption or seven consecutive days. Data compilation was based on cross-reference between noise measurements and air traffic control records, and results were validated by airport meteorological reports. Preliminary diagnoses were established using the standard NBR-13368. Background noise values were calculated based on the Sound Exposure Level (SEL). Statistic parameters were calculated in one-hour intervals. RESULTS Only four of the fifteen sites assessed presented aircraft operations as a clear cause for the noise annoyance. Even so, it is possible to detect background noise levels above regulation limits during periods of low airport activity or when it closes at night. CONCLUSIONS All the sites monitored showed background noise levels above regulation limits between 7:00 and 21:00. In the intervals between 6:00-6:59 and 21:00-22:59 the noise data, when analyzed with the current airport operational characteristics, still allow the development of additional mitigating measures.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar quantitativamente o ruído de fundo no entorno do aeroporto de Congonhas, com base em ampla amostragem e medições sem interrupção. MÉTODOS Locais de medição escolhidos a partir de curvas de ruído de 62 e 72 LDN (day-night level), em equipamentos urbanos de uso compatível com o residencial. Quinze locais foram avaliados por mais de 168 horas consecutivas cada um (sete dias). A compilação baseou-se em cruzamentos de dados do controle de tráfego aéreo e os resultados foram validados por meio de relatórios meteorológicos do aeroporto. Diagnósticos preliminares foram estabelecidos utilizando a NBR-13368. O ruído de fundo foi calculado com base no Sound Exposure Level (SEL). Os parâmetros estatísticos foram calculados em intervalos de uma hora. RESULTADOS Apenas quatro dos 15 locais avaliados apresentaram clara contribuição da operação de aeronaves no incômodo. Mesmo assim, é possível identificar ruído de fundo acima do regulamentar durante os períodos de baixa atividade ou de fechamento do aeroporto durante a noite. CONCLUSÕES Todos os locais avaliados apresentaram ruído de fundo acima do regulamentar entre 7:00h e 21:00h. Nos intervalos entre 6:00h-6:59h e 21:00h-22:59h, os dados de monitoramento, quando analisados em conjunto com as atuais características operacionais do aeroporto, ainda possibilitam a elaboração de medidas mitigadoras adicionais.

Research progress in health impact of traffic noise / 北京大学学报(医学版)

SUMMARY Traffic noise pollution problem is increasingly emerging with the rapid developmentof urban traffic. Researchers have paid close attention to the health effects of traffic noise. This review has summarized the recent research progress in the health effects of traffic noise both at home and abroad. Traffic noise can have various ad-verse health effects, and most of them are extra-auditory effects. The main aspects include that traffic noise can af-fect the cardiovascular system, which is verified by the evidence that exposure to traffic noise significantly increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, and so on. In addition, traffic noise can induce adverse effects on nervous system, leading to the increasing levels of anxiety, noise annoyance, and occurrence of insomnia. Furthermore, traffic noise is significantly associated with adverse pregnant outcomes, and can affect the endocrine system and digestive system. As traffic noise and traffic related air pollutants co-exist in the traffic environment, whether there are joint effects between these two factors have become areas of research focus nowadays. Although there is sufficient evidence that traffic noise has adverse health effects, inadequacies still existe. Analysis of the shortages of current studies and the prospects of the future studies are pointed out in this review.

Audiometric profile of civilian pilots according to noise exposure / Perfil audiométrico segundo exposição de pilotos civis ao ruído

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the audiometric profile of civilian pilots according to the noise exposure level. METHODS This observational cross-sectional study evaluated 3,130 male civilian pilots aged between 17 and 59 years. These pilots were subjected to audiometric examinations for obtaining or revalidating the functional capacity certificate in 2011. The degree of hearing loss was classified as normal, suspected noise-induced hearing loss, and no suspected hearing loss with other associated complications. Pure-tone air-conduction audiometry was performed using supra-aural headphones and acoustic stimulus of the pure-tone type, containing tone thresholds of frequencies between 250 Hz and 6,000 Hz. The independent variables were professional categories, length of service, hours of flight, and right or left ear. The dependent variable was pilots with suspected noise-induced hearing loss. The noise exposure level was considered low/medium or high, and the latter involved periods > 5,000 flight hours and > 10 years of flight service. RESULTS A total of 29.3% pilots had suspected noise-induced hearing loss, which was bilateral in 12.8% and predominant in the left ear (23.7%). The number of pilots with suspected hearing loss increased as the noise exposure level increased. CONCLUSIONS Hearing loss in civilian pilots may be associated with noise exposure during the period of service and hours of flight. .

OBJETIVO Analisar o perfil audiométrico de pilotos civis segundo grau de exposição ao ruído. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal, com 3.130 pilotos civis do sexo masculino de 17 a 59 anos submetidos a exames audiométricos iniciais ou de revalidação de Certificado de Capacidade Física em 2011. Os sujeitos foram categorizados segundo perda auditiva como: normais, sugestivos de perda auditiva induzida por ruído, e outros fatores associados e não sugestivos. A audiometria tonal liminar utilizada foi por via aérea, com a utilização de fones supra-aurais, por meio do estímulo acústico do tipo tom puro, contendo os limiares tonais das frequências de 250 a 6.000 Hz. As variáveis independentes foram as categorias dos pilotos, tempo de serviço, horas de voo e orelha direita ou esquerda. A variável dependente corresponde aos casos sugestivos de perda auditiva induzida por ruído. O grau de exposição foi considerado baixo/médio ou alto, sendo este último com horas de voo maiores que 5.000 e tempo de serviço maior que 10 anos. RESULTADOS Foram observados 29,3% casos sugestivos de perda auditiva induzida por ruído, 12,8% bilaterais com predomínio do lado esquerdo (23,7%). Com o aumento do grau de exposição ao ruído, o número de casos sugestivos de perda auditiva também aumentou. CONCLUSÕES A perda auditiva nos pilotos civis pode estar associada à exposição ao ruído ao longo do tempo de serviço e das horas de voo. .

Achados audiológicos e queixas relacionadas à audição dos motoristas de ônibus urbano / Audiologic findings and auditory-related complaints of urban bus drivers

OBJETIVO: Investigar os achados audiológicos e as queixas relacionadas à audição dos motoristas de ônibus urbano. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída de 24 motoristas de ônibus da cidade de Francisco Beltrão (PR), com média de idade de 44 anos e três meses e com tempo de exposição total ao ruído de tráfego de 18,8 anos. Aplicou-se uma anamnese com questões referentes à história de saúde geral e auditiva, hábitos de vida e história ocupacional. Posteriormente, realizou-se a audiometria convencional analisada segundo a Portaria 19 do Ministério do Trabalho (1998) e os testes de percepção da fala. RESULTADOS: Com relação aos problemas que acometem a audição, 66,6 por cento dos motoristas não referem dificuldades para ouvir, 29,2 por cento referem zumbido e 12,3 por cento referem ocasionalmente sensação de plenitude auricular. As audiometrias demonstraram que 70 por cento dos participantes apresentaram audiogramas sugestivos de perda auditiva induzida por ruído. As frequências mais acometidas foram 4000 e 6000 Hz caracterizando configuração em entalhe bilateral em 83,3 por cento dos casos. CONCLUSÃO: Verifica-se a necessidade do desenvolvimento de ações preventivas voltados à saúde auditiva visando à melhoria das condições de trabalho e a preservação auditiva destes motoristas.

PURPOSE: To investigate audiologic findings and auditory-related complaints of urban bus drivers. METHODS: The sample comprised 24 bus drivers from the city of Francisco Beltrão (PR, Brazil), with average age of 44 years and three months, and total time of exposition to traffic noise of 18.8 years, in average. An anamnesis was carried out, with questions referring to general and hearing health history, lifestyle and occupational history. Subsequently, pure tone audiometry and speech perception tests were performed. The results of the audiometry were analyzed according to the Resolution 19 of the Ministry of Labor (1998). RESULTS: Regarding the problems that affect hearing, 66.6 percent of the drivers did not report hearing difficulties; 29.2 percent reported tinnitus, and 12.3 percent reported occasional sensation of aural fullness. Pure tone audiometry showed that 70 percent of the participants had results suggestive of noise induced hearing loss. The most affected frequencies were 4 and 6 kHz, characterizing bilateral noise induced notch in 83.3 percent of the cases. CONCLUSION: This study showed a need for the development of preventive actions towards hearing health, in order to promote improvements on work conditions and hearing preservation of bus drivers.

Investigation on Traffic Noise Pollution Caused by Overhead Road / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To understand the pollution of the traffic noise from the overhead road in the city. Methods The time, the level and the vertical distribution and the influence factors (traffic flux, switch window, soundproofing barrier) of the traffic noise from overhead road were detected and analyzed. Results 24 h time distribution of traffic noise from the overhead road had 3 peaks: about 9 o'clock, 18 o'clock and 22 o'clock and the traffic noise level reached 73.73 dB, 73.95 dB and 73.37 dB respectively. All the equivalent sound level exceeded the standard limit. The peak value epoch of the traffic flux was consistent with the peak value epoch of the traffic noise. The traffic noise from the overhead road increased along with the floor heightening. The traffic noise from overhead road weakened gradually along with the increased level distance. The traffic noise decreased by about 13 dB on the place being 15 m away from the overhead road and decreased by about 17 dB on the place being 30 m away from overhead road. Closing windows could obviously cut off the traffic noise and reduced the noise by about 13 dB in the room. The soundproofing barrier could reduce the noise by about 5 dB in the room. No matter the window was closed or not and there was a soundproofing barrier or not, the noise in the room near by the overhead road exceeded the standard limit. Conclusion The traffic noise pollution caused by overhead road exceeds the national standard in different degree and it should be controlled.