Hearing loss and its relationship with blood pressure among workers exposed to noise in a brewery / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the health status of workers exposed to noise in a brewery in Beijing and to analyze the relationship between hearing loss and blood pressure. Methods A total of 949 noise-exposed workers in a brewery who participated in occupational health examination were selected as the investigation subjects. A survey was conducted to investigate the pure tone hearing threshold and abnormal blood pressure of the workers with different characteristics, and to analyze the relationship between the two. Results Among the noise-exposed workers, the detection rates of hearing abnormality, hypertension, and increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 73.55%, 52.37%, 43.84% and 46.47%, respectively. The detection rates of hearing abnormality, indicators of hypertension, high frequency hearing threshold abnormality and increased binaural high frequency hearing threshold on average in males were higher than those in females (P 0.05), the detection rates of other hearing abnormality, indicators of hypertension, speech frequency hearing threshold abnormality, high frequency hearing threshold abnormality，increased binaural high frequency hearing threshold on average and the weighted value of the better ear's hearing threshold all increased or had an increasing trend with the increase of age or working years (P< 0.05). The detection rates of hypertension in the groups with high frequency hearing threshold abnormality and increased binaural high frequency hearing threshold on average were higher than those in the normal group (P＜0.05). Conclusion The noise-exposed workers in the brewery have hearing impairment, which is related to the occurrence of hypertension. It is recommended to strengthen the publicity and education on noise protection and take protective measures to reduce the occurrence of occupational noise injury.

Relationship between self-reported occupational noise exposure and expression levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines in adult asthmatic patients / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objectives To investigate the relationship between self-reported occupational noise exposure and levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines in asthmatic patients. Methods A total of 910 adult asthmatic patients were selected as the study subjects, and their occupational noise exposure history and other related information were collected. The peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients, and the expression levels of plasma soluble CD14 (sCD14), complement factor D (CFD), Eotaxin-11 (CCL11), and IL-9 were determined. The relationship between self-reported occupational noise exposure and the expression levels of the four inflammatory cytokines in patients’ plasma were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. The interactions between confounding factors and self-reported occupational noise exposure were further analyzed by interaction analysis. Results The plasma CCL11, sCD14 and CFD expressions in asthmatic patients with self-reported occupational noise exposure were significantly higher than those in patients without the exposure (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, compared with patients reporting no occupational noise exposure, the plasma CFD expression was increased by 0.17 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.31) natural logarithm units in patients with self-reported occupational noise exposure. During remission, the levels of plasma CCL11 and sCD14 in asthmatic patients with self-reported occupational noise exposure were increased by 0.27 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.49) and 0.22 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.41) natural logarithm units, respectively, when compared with patients without the exposure. Interaction analysis showed that self-reported occupational noise exposure had significant multiplicative interaction with smoking or pet ownership on plasma CCL11 or CFD expressions in asthmatic patients (all P<0.05). Conclusion Self-reported occupational noise exposure is significantly associated with increased expression levels of plasma CFD, CCL11, and sCD14 in adult asthmatic patients.

Risk assessment of occupational noise-induced hearing loss in worker in a metal tool manufacturing enterprise / 中国职业医学

Objective To evaluate the risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss in workers in a metal tool manufacturing enterprise, and to carry out risk classification and risk management. Methods A total of 91 male noise-exposed workers from a metal tool manufacturing enterprise in Hebei Province were selected as the research subjects using the convenience sampling method. The work site survey on occupational health and the measurement on individual noise exposure level were carried out. The ISO 1999：2013 (E) Acoustics-Estimation of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss was used to predict the risk of high frequency hearing loss (HFHL) and occupational noise-induced deafness (ONID). The risk classification and risk management were conducted using the WS/T 754-2016 Guideline for Risk Management of Occupational Noise Hazard (hereinafter referred to as WS/T 754-2016). Results The individual noise exposure intensity of workers in the six work sites of the enterprise, including blade workers, sheet punching workers, roller forging workers (hoe), hole punching workers, roller forging workers(shovels), and carpenters, exceeded the national occupational exposure limit, with the maximum volume of 91.2-104.1 dB(A). Among these workers, the positions of blade workers, sheet punching workers, and roller forging workers (hoe) were identified as critical control points for noise hazards in the enterprise. The detection rates of HFHL and ONID were 24.2% and 8.8%, respectively. The risk prediction results showed that, based on the actual noise exposure time and age of the study subjects, the risk of HFHL and ONID ranged from 1.7%-48.8% and 0.0%-29.5%, respectively. The risks of HFHL caused solely by occupational noise exposure when working up to 50.0, 55.0, and 60.0 years of age were 11.4% to 64.7%, 16.4% to 65.1%, and 17.2% to 59.4%, respectively. The risks of ONID caused solely by occupational noise exposure were 0.0% to 45.5%, 4.2% to 51.7%, and 5.9% to 57.4%, respectively. Except for the blade workers, the predicted median of potential noise-induced permanent threshold shifts (NIPTS) in the other five positions were lower than the actual values of NIPTS, with the difference ranging from 3.0-28.3 dB, and 73.3% of them underestimated by 10.0 dB or more. Conclusion The outcome of noise exposure on the hearing of workers in this enterprise are severe. Risk management should be conducted according to the WS/T 755-2016.

The effects of occupational noise exposure on glycated hemoglobin and prediabetes / 中国职业医学

Objective To investigate the relationship between occupational noise exposure and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, as well as prediabetes diagnosed by HbA1c. Methods A total of 1 181 workers from a cigarette factory were selected as the research subjects using a judgment sampling method. Workers were divided into control, low-level noise exposure and high-level noise exposure groups, consisting of 236, 359, and 586 individuals, respectively. The blood sample was collected for HbA1c test and occupation noise exposure intensity in workplace was detected by an area-sampling method. Results There were no statistical significant differences in HbA1c levels and prediabetes prevalence among the three groups of workers (all P>0.05). After adjusting for potential confounding factors such as years of service, gender, smoking, pack-years of smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index, multiple linear regression analysis showed that the high-level noise exposure group had higher HbA1c level than the control group (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis results showed that the high-level noise exposure group had higher risk of prediabetes compared with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Occupational noise exposure could be a risk factor for the increased HbA1c levels and prediabetes incidence among the occupational population. More attention should be paid to the effects of occupational noise exposure on the HbA1c level in occupational health surveillance.

Estimation of the number of workers with occupational noise-induced hearing loss from manufacturing industry in China, 2020 / 中国职业医学

{L-End}Objective To estimate the number of workers with occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONHL) in the manufacturing industry of China in 2020. {L-End}Methods Multiple data sources were integrated to collect information on workers in the manufacturing industry from the Occupational Diseases and Hazards Monitoring Information System under China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The total number of workers was split based on age from the 2018 Fourth National Economic Census and the 2020 National Survey of Occupational Disease Hazards. Additionally, data on the prevalence of hearing loss in the general population was adjusted based on the age composition of Jilin Province, and noise prevalence was standardized based on the age composition of the employed population in the Seventh National Population Censu. Attribution fractions (AF) was estimated. The prevalence ratio (PR) was calculated by the prevalence of hearing loss in the occupational noise-exposed workers and general population. The proportion and attributable cases (AC) of ONHL cases in all hearing loss cases were estimated for occupational noise-exposed workers. The number of ONHL was estimated based on AF and the total number of workers with hearing loss. {L-End}Results In 2020, a total of 30 059 525 workers were exposed to occupational noise in the manufacturing industry in China, with noise-exposed prevalence and standardized noise-exposed prevalence of 28.94% and 28.52%, respectively. The prevalence of hearing loss among occupational noise-exposed workers increased with age, and a total of 8 054 789 workers suffered from hearing loss. Most of the cases were at the age between 45-<55 years old. The total PR and 95% uncertainty interval (UI) was 2.83 (2.58-3.06) and the total AF and 95%UI was 64.63% (61.22%-67.30%), and both peaks were in the age of 30-<45 years. The AC and 95%UI was 5 205 980 (4 930 620-5 420 345) persons, and most of the cases were at the age between 40-<55 years. {L-End}Conclusion Occupational noise poses a serious threat to the hearing health of workers in the manufacturing industry of China, especially among middle-aged and young adults.

Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of occupational noise deafness in Nantong Area in 2017- 2021 / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of occupational noise induced deafness (ONID) in Nantong area and analyze the risk factors. Methods A total of 421 workers in hydropower industry who underwent physical examination in the outpatient clinic of Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention from January 2017 to December 2021 were selected as the research subjects.168 workers without ONID were divided into control group, and 253 workers diagnosed with ONID were divided into ONID group. The expression levels of serum cortisol, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results There were more males than females in both groups (P<0.05). With the increase of working age, the detection rate of ONID also increased significantly (P<0.05). The hearing thresholds of left and right ears in workers of different workplaces in the ONID group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the hearing thresholds of workers in water wheel room and water machine operation duty room were higher (P<0.05). The expression levels of cortisol, IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum of ONID patients were significantly higher than those in the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that workplace, serum cortisol, IL-6 and TNF-α were the main influencing factors for ONID. Conclusion Workplace, serum cortisol, IL-6 and TNF-α are all risk factors for ONID. Appropriate measures should be taken to strengthen the prevention and treatment of noise-induced hearing loss according to the influencing factors.

Advances in research on the health effects of occupational noise exposure / 公共卫生与预防医学

With the development of industrial production mechanization, the impact of occupational noise exposure on the body has attracted much attention. The impact of occupational noise on the body is not limited to the specific effects of hearing, but also includes non-specific effects on multiple systems such as nerves, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. This paper expounds the health effects of occupational noise, and lays a theoretical foundation for relevant departments to prevent the health effects of occupational noise in the future.

Analysis on occupational noise deafness in a provincial occupational disease diagnosis institution from 2016 to 2020 / 中国职业医学

@#Objective - （ ） To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of occupational noise induced deafness ONID （ ） diagnosed by Guangdong Province Hospital of Occupational Disease Prevention and Control GDHOD from 2016 to 2020 and - Methods the reasons non ONID diagnosis. The data of ONID patients diagnosed in GDHOD from 2016 to 2020 were collected “ from the Occupational Disease Report Card in the Occupational Disease and Occupational Health Information Monitoring ” “ ” - System subsystem of the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System . The data of non ONID subjects were ， collected from the occupational disease diagnosis archives in the same hospital and the relevant data were analyzed Results ， ， （ ） retrospectively. Of the 1 432 subjects 824 subjects were diagnosed as ONID patients mainly of mild ONID 86.0% . （M） ， M Male patients accounted for 88.0%. The median of diagnosis age was 45.0 years old and of length of employment of ， ， ， diagnosis was 8.3 years. ONID patients were mainly found in Zhongshan Dongguan Zhuhai Jiangmen and Guangzhou City in ， ， （ ） the Pearl River Delta accounting for 67.6%. The cases distributed in 519 enterprises mainly on manufacturing 90.2% . ， - ， ； Among the 139 enterprises each enterprise had 2 11 patients worked within five years accounting for 53.9% 91.1% of the -， - - - ONID patients were distributed in large medium and small enterprises. ONID patients mainly worked in non public enterprises that accounted for 91.3%. There were 606 subjects could not be diagnosed as ONID. The main reasons for not being （ ）， diagnosed were that the weighted value of better ear hearing threshold was less than 26 dB 34.8% the working history of （ ）， occupational noise exposure was less than three years 31.5% the weighted value of better ear hearing threshold was less thanConclusion 26 dB and the average hearing threshold of binaural high frequency was less than 40 dB 16.2% . The ONID ， ， -， - patients have the characteristics of group aggregation. The Pearl River Delta manufacturing industry large medium and - - ： small non public enterprises are the key points of ONID prevention. The main reasons for not being diagnosed as ONID were ， the working history of occupational noise exposure was less than three years the weighted value of better ear hearing threshold ， - was less than 26 dB and the average high frequency hearing threshold of both ears was less than 40 dB.

Comparison of the application of different version of diagnostic criteria for occupational noise-induced deafness / 中国职业医学

@# Objective - （ ） To explore the influence on the diagnosis of occupational noise induced deafness ONID using three ， Methods versions of diagnostic criteria in 2002 2007 and 2014. A total of 1 766 workers who asked for ONID diagnosis were selected as the research subjects using judgment sampling method. The results of pure tone audiometry were collected. GBZ 49-2002Diagnostic Criteria of Occupational Noise-inducedHearing Loss（ The ONID was diagnosed using hereinafter referred to as GBZ 49-2002），GBZ 49-2007Diagnostic Criteria of Occupational Noise-induced Deafness（ GBZ 49-2007） hereinafter referred to as GBZ 49-2014 Diagnostic of Occupational Noise-induced Deafness（ GBZ 49-2014）， and hereinafter referred to as and the Results - - ， - diagnostic results were compared. Compared with GBZ 49 2002 and GBZ 49 2007 diagnosis with GBZ 49 2014 had （ vs ， vs ， P ）， （ vs ， a higher rate of ONID 57.9% 66.0% 44.8% 66.0% both <0.01 and had a higher rate of mild ONID 47.3% 54.6% vs ， P ） - - 36.0% 54.6% both <0.01 . The diagnostic rate for ONID using GBZ 492014 was higher than those using GBZ 49 2002 and - （ P ）Conclusion - GBZ 49 2007 in each age groups all <0.01 . GBZ 49 2014 improved the diagnostic rate of ONID compared - - with GBZ 49 2002 and GBZ 49 2007. The reason is related to the inclusion of 4 000 Hz hearing threshold with a weight of 0.1 - as the diagnostic hearing threshold and the use of a new age and gender correction method in GBZ 49 2014.

Analysis of noise hazard characteristics in automobile sand casting industry / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To study the characteristics of noise hazards in automobile sand casting industry and understand the impact of noise on the health of automobile foundry workers, and to provide scientific data support for the control of noise hazards. Methods An automobile sand casting enterprise was selected as the research object. The post noise intensity test results from 2010 to 2019, the noise spectrum test results of each post in 2019, and the prevalence of occupational noise deafness in the 10 years from 2010 to 2019 were analyzed and sorted out. Using chi-square test and t-test the noise hazard characteristics and noise intensity changes were statistically analyzed. Results 1. The noise LEX.8h exceeding standard rate of foundry enterprises in the 10 years from 2010 to 2019 was not statistically significant（χ2=6.76, P=0.66), and the mean value of noise LEX.8h fluctuated horizontally in the 10 years, which was basically stable between 80 - 90 dB (A). 2. The mean value of noise intensity of sand falling, sand preparation, cleaning and shot blasting in the first five years was significantly different compared to that in the last five years. There was no statistically significant difference in other posts. 3. Among all posts in the foundry sand casting industry, the noise spectrum of core-making and cleaning posts was mainly medium and high frequency, while the noise spectrum of other posts was mainly medium and low frequency. 4, Cases of occupational noise deafness were mainly concentrated in cleaning and polishing workers, melting chemical workers, inspectors and other types of workers. Conclusions The noise hazards in the automobile foundry sand casting industry are mainly concentrated on the posts of molding, and sand falling, and the noise intensity and the over standard rate remain high in the past 10 years. The noise of each post is mainly medium and low frequency, and the noise of a few individual posts is mainly medium and high frequency. In recent years, due to the automatic renewal of equipment, the noise intensity of some posts such as sand dropping, sand mixing, cleaning and shot blasting has decreased, but the overall noise exceeding standard rate has basically not changed, and the noise hazard is still serious. The noise hazard of foundry sand casting enterprises is difficult to be controlled, and the risk of hearing loss of foundry workers is still high.

The association of anxiety, depression, tinnitus and sleep quality in patients with occupational noise-induced deafness / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the status and association of anxiety, depression, tinnitus and sleep quality in patients with occupational noise-induced deafness(ONID). METHODS: A total of 302 ONID patients were selected as research subjects using judgment sampling method. Their status of anxiety, depression, tinnitus and sleep quality were investigated using questionnaires of Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. RESULTS: Among the study subjects, there were 123 cases with no anxiety or depression, 46 cases with simple anxiety or depression, and 133 cases with combined anxiety and depression, accounting for 40.7%, 15.3% and 44.0%, respectively. The incidence of tinnitus and sleep disorder were 77.8%(235/302) and 48.0%(145/302), respectively. The total scores of tinnitus and sleep quality in simple anxiety or depression group were higher than those with no anxiety or depression(all P<0.01). The total scores of tinnitus and sleep quality in combined anxiety and depression group were higher than that with no anxiety and depression, and simple anxiety or depression group(all P<0.01). Among the research subjects, the incidence of tinnitus and sleep disorder from high to low were combined anxiety and depression group, simple anxiety or depression group, and no anxiety and depression group(tinnitus: 85.7% vs 76.1% vs 69.9%, sleep disturbance: 82.0% vs 37.0% vs 15.5%, all P<0.01). The standard scores of anxiety and depression in ONID patients were positively correlated with the total scores of tinnitus and sleep quality(correlation coefficients were 0.63, 0.72, 0.63, 0.69, all P<0.01). CONCLUSION: ONID patients can be accompanied by varying degrees of anxiety and depression. The existence of anxiety and depression may lead to increased tinnitus and decreased sleep quality in ONID patients.

Actualización acerca del riesgo de pérdida auditiva inducida por ruido en el personal odontológico / Upgrade about the risk of hearing loss in the dental personal

La relación entre la exposición a los ruidos y la pérdida auditiva se considera desde hace muchos años. La comunidad odontológica no está exenta de este problema, ya que los profesionales trabajan a diario, y durante tiempos prolongados, con instrumentos ruidosos. Esta revisión bibliográfica tiene como propósito realizar una actualización acerca del riesgo de pérdida auditiva inducida por ruido en el personal que trabaja en la clínica odontológica. En la actualidad, se afirma que los odontólogos y el personal en la clínica dental corren el riesgo de contraer diversas patologías auditivas ­como es el caso de la hipoacusia­ debido al ruido que producen los equipos de alta velocidad. Las enfermedades profesionales del tipo auditivas que se abordan en este trabajo constituyen factores que comprometen no solo el buen estado de salud de los odontólogos y demás profesionales, sino su calidad de vida (AU)

The relationship between noise exposure and hearing loss has been known for many years. The dental community is not exempt from this problem, because they work every day and for long periods of time with noisy instruments. This literature review aims to update the risk of noise-induced hearing loss in personnel working in the dental clinic. The risk to which dentists and staff in the dental clinic are subjected to the high-speed and other noisy equipment is well known, and that can cause various auditory problems such as hearing loss. The occupational diseases of the auditory type that were addressed in this article constitute factors that compromise not only the good state of health of dentists and other professionals who work in similar conditions, but also in their quality of life (AU)

Anxiety and its influencing factors on patients with occupational noise-induced hearing loss / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To explore the status and its influencing factors of anxiety symptoms in patients with occupational noise-induced deafness(ONID). METHODS: A total of 220 ONID patients were selected as the ONID group,and 200 healthy participants without noise exposure were selected as the control group by judge sampling method.The two groups were investigated by the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory was used to evaluate the disability levels of tinnitus, and pure-tone audiometry was used to assess the degree of tinnitus and hearing impairment in the ONID group. RESULTS: The incidence of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder were higher in the ONID group than that in the control group(52.7% vs 9.0%, 55.0% vs 15.0%, 52.3% vs 7.0%, P<0.05). In ONID with anxiety subgroup, the duration of disease was longer(1.0 vs 2.0 years, P<0.01), incidences of tinnitus, depression and sleep disorder were higher than those in ONID without anxiety subgroup(92.3% vs 100.0%, 18.3% vs 87.9%, 19.2% vs 81.9%, P<0.01). The result of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the longer the duration of disease and the more severe of the tinnitus, the higher the risk of anxiety symptoms in patients with ONID [the odds ratio(OR) and its 95% confidence interval(CI) were 1.35(1.10-1.65) and 2.94(1.56-5.54) respectively, P<0.01]. The risk of anxiety in patients with sleep disorders was higher than those without sleep disorders [OR(95%CI) was 12.78(5.90-27.64), P<0.01]. CONCLUSION: The ONID patients are more likely to have anxiety. The duration of disease, severity of tinnitus and sleep disorders are the risk factors causing anxiety in ONID patients.

Effects of electroacupuncture treatment on cortisol and inflammatory cytokines in patients with occupational noise-induced deafness combined with depressive symptoms / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of electroacupuncture treatment on the levels of cortisol and immune factors in patients with occupational noise-induced deafness(ONID) combined with depressive symptoms. METHODS: A total of 78 ONID patients combined with depressive symptoms were randomly divided into control group(40 cases) and electroacupuncture group(38 cases) by a random number table method. The control group received routine therapy, while the electroacupuncture group was treated with routine therapy plus electroacupuncture on alternate days, 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks. The levels of salivary cortisol, as well as the serum levels of cortisol, tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6) and C-reactive protein(CRP) of the two groups were observed and compared before and after treatment. RESULTS: Before treatment, the levels of saliva cortisol in the morning and night, and the serum levels of cortisol, IL-6, TNF-α and CRP in the two groups were compared, and the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05). After treatment, the serum cortisol level of patients in electroacupuncture group reduced than that before treatment in the same group(P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the levels of salivary cortisol in the morning and night, and serum cortisol before and after treatment both in control group and electroacupuncture group(P>0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α decreased in electroacupuncture group as compared with those before treatment and those after treatment in control group(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture treatment could reduce the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum of ONID patients combined with depressive symptoms. The regulation of electroacupuncture on the inflammatory cytokines may be one of the mechanisms in treating ONID combined with depressive symptoms.

Task Analysis On Maintenance Worker (Rail Grinder) Of Light Rail Transit (LRT)

@#Rail maintenance routines are necessary to enable the all rail operations to achieve its aim in maintaining a safe and efficient operation. The maintenance tasks expose the workers to vibration and noise, as they handle specialized machineries and heavy self-propelled vehicles. Exposure of noise above the permissible exposure limit and over the daily allowable duration may cause noise-induce hearing loss (NIHL). Investigation on the type of task that has high noise level exposure on the maintenance workers was conducted to justify the needs to further detailed of this study. This paper will describe the task analysis on maintenance workers and to identify possible tasks with exposure to high level of noise. It scopes down to grinding crew of the maintenance department of light rail transit. Methods used were real-time sound measurement using a sound level meter, observation and interviews. Then, data were analysed to understand the situation of exposure of noise during rail maintenance. An ergonomic risk assessment was also conducted by adoption of the latest guideline on Ergonomic Risk Assessment (ERA) at Workplace Guidelines recommended by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Malaysia. A hierarchical task analysis (HTA) was generated on the task of the maintenance worker, focusing on rail grinding crew. The newly generated HTA had allowed better understanding about the nature of work and the task conducted by a rail grinder during the work shifts. Tasks involving high noise level was identified. Data recorded shows that the noise level for the blowing activity was relatively high and exceeded the permissible exposure limit of 90dBA. The exposure level was currently controlled by practicing the usage of hearing protection equipment (HPE) and by controlling exposure time in accordance to recommendations of the Factory and Machinery Act (FMA). Thus, it had confirmed that maintenance workers were exposed to high noise levels when performing their daily task. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between the duration of exposure and noise-induce hearing loss (NIHL) with consideration of the lifestyles of the maintenance workers.

Cochrane method for systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss - abridged / Revisão sistemática e metanálise Cochrane de intervenções para prevenção de perda auditiva ocupacional induzida por ruído - abreviada

ABSTRACT Purpose Assess the effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions at work on noise exposure or occupational hearing loss compared to no or alternative interventions. Research strategies Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, OSHupdate, Cochrane Central and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were searched. Selection criteria Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT), Controlled Before-After studies (CBA) and Interrupted Time-Series studies (ITS) evaluating engineering controls, administrative controls, personal hearing protection devices, and hearing surveillance were included. Case studies of engineering controls were collected. Data analysis Cochrane methods for systematic reviews, including meta-analysis, were followed. Results 29 studies were included. Stricter legislation can reduce noise levels by 4.5 dB(A) (very low-quality evidence). Engineering controls can immediately reduce noise (107 cases). Eleven RCTs and CBA studies (3725 participants) were evaluated through Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs). Training of earplug insertion reduces noise exposure at short term follow-up (moderate quality evidence). Earmuffs might perform better than earplugs in high noise levels but worse in low noise levels (very low-quality evidence). HPDs might reduce hearing loss at very long-term follow-up (very low-quality evidence). Seventeen studies (84028 participants) evaluated hearing loss prevention programs. Better use of HPDs might reduce hearing loss but other components not (very low-quality evidence). Conclusion Hearing loss prevention and interventions modestly reduce noise exposure and hearing loss. Better quality studies and better implementation of noise control measures and HPDs is needed.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o efeito de intervenções no trabalho sobre a exposição ao ruído ou a perda auditiva em comparação com ausência ou intervenções alternativas. Estratégia de pesquisa Buscas em Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, OSHupdate, Cochrane Central e CINAHL. Critérios de seleção Incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR), estudos controlados pré/pós-intervenção (ECPPI) e estudos de séries temporais interrompidas (SIT) avaliando controles de engenharia, administrativos, equipamentos de proteção auditiva (EPAs) e vigilância auditiva. Coletados estudos de caso de engenharia. Análise dos dados Cochrane para revisões sistemáticas, incluindo metanálise. Resultados Foram incluídos 29 estudos. Legislação mais rigorosa pode reduzir níveis de ruído em 4,5 dB(A) (evidência de qualidade muito baixa). Controles de engenharia podem reduzir imediatamente o ruído (107 casos). Onze ECR e ECPPI (3.725 participantes) avaliaram EPAs. Treinamento para inserção do EPA reduz a exposição ao ruído no acompanhamento de curto prazo (evidência de qualidade moderada). Protetores tipo concha podem ter desempenho melhor do que protetores de inserção em níveis altos de ruído, mas piores em níveis mais baixos (evidência de qualidade muito baixa). EPAs podem reduzir a perda auditiva no acompanhamento de muito longo prazo (evidência de qualidade muito baixa). Dezessete estudos (84.028 participantes) avaliaram programas de prevenção de perdas auditivas. Um melhor uso do EPA pode reduzir a perda auditiva, mas outros componentes não (evidência de qualidade muito baixa). Conclusão As intervenções para prevenção da perda auditiva reduzem modestamente a exposição ao ruído e a perda auditiva. Estudos de melhor qualidade e melhor implementação de medidas de controle de ruído e EPA são necessários.

Noise and hypertension: study of their association among female teachers

ABSTRACT Purpose: investigate the association of noise exposure with the occurrence of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) among public school female teachers. Methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study was conducted. A questionnaire elaborated by the researchers was applied to a random sample of 133 female teachers. Noise exposure dosimetry was used among the sample subjects. The non-conditional logistic regression technique was applied to identify significant variables and control confounding variables for the occurrence of SAH. Results: the prevalence of hypertension found, in teachers, in this study, was 17.3%. However, the association between occupational noise exposure and the occurrence of hypertension was not verified. It was observed that smoking is a very relevant risk factor for hypertension, while the physical effort performed at work appeared as a protection factor. Conclusion: although the variable "noise exposure dose" was not significant in the final model, it was found that the exposure values were above the limits, justifying the adoption of preventive measures.

Audiological profile of indoor cycling teachers / Perfil audiológico de professores de ciclismo indoor

ABSTRACT Purpose: to describe the audiological profile and auditory complaints of indoor cycling teachers, as well as to relate the findings with time of noise exposure and presence of tinnitus. Methods: participants were eight teachers of both genders, age ranging from 24 to 36 years, with professional experience in the area for at least one year. Sound pressure level was measured during the class, which lasted from 45 to 50 minutes and an adapted anamnesis questionnaire composed of ten items was applied to each individual to research the auditory symptoms and factors related to noise exposure and the audiological assessment performed. Inferential statistical tests were applied. The level of statistical significance was 0.05. Results: all of them had pure tone audiometry, tympanometry testing and brainstem auditory evoked potential within normal limits. There were alterations in the high frequency audiometry and otoacoustic emissions without a statistical correlation with the time of professional experience. Conclusion: the audiological profile obtained was pure tone audiometry, tympanometry and brainstem auditory evoked potential within normal limits; altered transient otoacoustic and distortion product emissions and high frequency audiometry. The complaints reported were: tinnitus, dizziness, the need to listen at a high volume and being exposed to excessive noise.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever o perfil audiológico e as queixas auditivas de professores de ciclismo indoor, como também relacionar os achados com o tempo de exposição ao ruído e presença de zumbido. Métodos: participaram oito professores de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 24 a 36 anos, com atuação profissional na área no mínimo há um ano. Foi realizada a medição do nível de pressão sonora durante a aula que variou de 45 a 50 minutos e aplicado, em cada indivíduo, um questionário de anamnese adaptado, composto por dez itens, que serviu para pesquisar os sintomas auditivos e fatores referentes à exposição ao ruído, e realizada a avaliação audiológica. Foram aplicados os testes estatísticos inferenciais. Resultados: todos apresentaram audiometria tonal limiar, imitanciometria e potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico dentro da normalidade. Houve alterações na audiometria de altas frequências e emissões otoacústicas, sem correlação estatística com o tempo de atuação. Conclusão: o perfil audiológico obtido foi audiometria tonal limiar, imitanciometria e potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico dentro dos padrões de normalidade; emissões otoacústicas transientes e produto de distorção e audiometria de altas frequências alteradas. As queixas relatadas foram: zumbido, tontura, necessidade de ouvir em volume elevado e exposição excessiva ao ruído.

Verificación de niveles de atenuación de protectores auditivos tipo copa en trabajadores del sector Hidrocarburos / Verifying the attenuation levels of earmuff hearing protectors in Oil & Gas workers / Verificando os níveis de atenuação dos protetores auditivos de abafador em trabalhadores de petróleo e gás

RESUMEN Objetivo Verificar los niveles de atenuación de dos tipos de protectores auditivos de copa bajo condiciones reales de operación. Métodos Se realizó un diseño experimental de medidas repetidas de los niveles de presión sonora al interior y exterior de los protectores auditivos, realizando mediciones de ruido bajo circunstancias habituales de trabajo para operadores de una planta de hidrocarburos. Posteriormente, se determinaron las diferencias entre los niveles de atenuación establecidos por el fabricante, los niveles de atenuación ajustados bajo el método recomendado por NIOSH y los niveles de atenuación obtenidos experimentalmente. Resultados Los valores de atenuación ofrecidos por los fabricantes difieren de los obtenidos experimentalmente, siendo estos últimos, menores en todos los casos del estudio. Los valores de atenuación de los protectores auditivos ajustados bajo el método NIOSH alcanzaron valores más cercanos a los experimentales. Conclusiones La variabilidad entre los valores de atenuación teóricos y experimentales, permiten establecer que las estimaciones de los niveles de atenuación obtenidos en condiciones controladas no consideran aspectos que en condiciones reales de uso afectan la eficiencia del protector auditivo. Este estudio plantea la necesidad de implementar programas integrales de protección auditiva, que permitan considerar variables asociadas a la eficacia del dispositivo en condiciones de uso, a través de la aplicación de pruebas de ajuste o en su defecto a través de la aplicación de los factores de ajuste sugeridos por NIOSH, con el fin de realizar una adecuada selección que permita alcanzar un control efectivo para el ruido.

ABSTRACT Objective To verify the attenuation levels of two types of earmuffs under real operating conditions. Materials and Methods A study with experimental design was carried out to obtain repeated measurements of the sound pressure levels inside and outside hearing protectors in a sample of workers of an oil and gas company working under normal process and exposure conditions. The results allowed determining differences between the attenuation levels established by the manufacturer, the adjusted attenuation levels under the NIOSH method, and the attenuation levels obtained experimentally. Results The attenuation values established by the manufacturers are lower than those ones obtained under actual use conditions in all cases evaluated. Likewise, the attenuation values of the hearing protectors, once adjusted under the NIOSH method, reached values much closer to those obtained experimentally. Conclusions The variability between theoretical attenuation values and experimental values allows concluding that the attenuation levels obtained under controlled laboratory conditions do not take into account certain characteristics that, based on their use, affect the efficiency of the hearing protection device. This study encourages the implementation of comprehensive hearing protection programs that consider variables such as hearing protection effectiveness, under real use conditions, by applying fit tests or other adjustment factors like the one suggested by NIOSH. This would ensure an adequate selection that aims at achieving an effective control of this risk factor.

RESUMO Objetivo Verifique os níveis de atenuação de dois tipos de protetores auriculares em condições reais de operação. Métodos Foi realizado um projeto experimental de medições repetidas dos níveis de pressão sonora dentro e fora dos protetores auditivos, fazendo medições de ruído em condições normais de trabalho para operadores de uma usina de hidrocarbonetos. Posteriormente, foram determinadas as diferenças entre os níveis de atenuação estabelecidos pelo fabricante, os níveis de atenuação ajustados pelo método recomendado pelo NIOSH e os níveis de atenuação obtidos experimentalmente. Resultados Os valores de atenuação oferecidos pelos fabricantes diferem daqueles obtidos experimentalmente, sendo este último menor em todos os casos do estudo. Os valores de atenuação dos protetores auditivos ajustados pelo método NIOSH atingiram valores mais próximos aos experimentais. Conclusões A variabilidade entre os valores de atenuação teórica e experimental permite estabelecer que as estimativas dos níveis de atenuação obtidos em condições controladas não consideram aspectos que, em condições reais de uso, afetam a eficiência do protetor auditivo. Este estudo levanta a necessidade de implementar programas abrangentes de proteção auditiva que permitam considerar variáveis associadas à efetividade do dispositivo em condições de uso, através da aplicação de testes de adaptação ou, na sua falta, através da aplicação de ajuste sugerido pelo NIOSH, a fim de fazer uma seleção adequada para obter um controle eficaz do ruído.(AU)

Current status and influencing factors of hearing loss in suspected occupational noise-induced deafness among electric welders in Nantong City / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the current status and influencing factors of hearing loss in the suspected occupational noise-induced deafness(ONID) among welders in Nantong City. METHODS: A total of 3 265 noise-exposed welders who underwent the occupational health examination in Nantong City in 2017 were collected as the study subjects by judgment sampling method. The data of occupational medical examination of these welders was collected. The incidence and influencing factors of suspected ONID were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 159 cases of suspected ONID were detected and the detection rate was 4.87%. The suspected ONID was mainly mild noise-induced deafness, accounting for 82.39%(131/159). The abnormal rates of 4 000 Hz hearing threshold in the left and right ears of suspected ONID cases were higher than that of 3 000 Hz in the corresponding ears(100.00% vs 93.08%, 98.11% vs 92.45%, P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and length of service during noise exposure were risk factors for suspected ONID(P<0.05). The risks of suspected ONID among welders in general equipment manufacturing industry, metal products industry, other industries, electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing industry, and manufacturing of equipment of railways, ships, aerospace and other transportations were lower than that in computer, communication and other electronic equipment manufacturing industry. The odds ratio(OR) and 95% confidence interval(95%CI) were 0.341(0.155-0.752), 0.264(0.112-0.620), 0.149(0.038-0.582), 0.110(0.035-0.341), 0.418(0.179-0.972), respectively. The risk of suspected ONID among welders in state-owned enterprises was lower than that in private enterprises(OR=0.254, 95%CI 0.116-0.559,P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The age, service length of noise exposure, type of enterprise industry and economy of enterprise are all influencing factors of suspected ONID in electric welding workers in Nantong City.