Showing 13 results for Hearing Loss
Dr Z Loukzadeh, Dr Ah Mehrparvar, Dr A Shojaaddini Ardekani, Dr R Nabi Meybodi,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (7-2011)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Noise-induced hearing loss is among the most common occupational diseases and is completely preventable despite being permanent and irreversible. Although management and engineering control are in prior, for some reasons its implementation is difficult in certain circumstances. So, Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs) are often the only method. But most of workers exposed to high level noise do not use them. The aim of this study was to detect factors influencing on usage of HPDs by workers based on Pender’s Health Promotion Model and safety climate.
Methods: In this study, 121 tile workers who exposed to sounds ≥ 85dB were evaluated. A questionnaire including demographic date, HPDs using frequency, worker’s self-efficacy regarding HPDs use as well as workers’ perceptions of management’s commitment to HPDs use and safety was completed for them.
Results: Our research showed that 24% of workers used HPDs for more than 50% of work duration. Only 10% of the workers used it for more than 90% of work duration. There was a significant difference in scores related to “Safety climate” and also one of the items of “HPDs usage barriers” between the group who used HPDs>50% of work duration and the group≤50% (p=0.04 and p=0.06 respectively).
Conclusion: Despite exposure to noise and being subject to noise-induced hearing loss, prevalence of HPDs use is low. In this survey, the belief that wearing HPDs is not uncomfortable and safety climate were important factors for HPDs usage. Therefore, manager support for working in safety climate including HPDs use, education of using method and its importance in preventing hearing loss have significant influences on increasing HPDs use
Dr Z Loukzadeh, F Foroughinasab, B Saranjam, Dr A Shojaaddinyardekani, R Soltani,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (10-2011)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Noise is a harmful environmental factor which may cause hearing loss, hypertension, and higher rates of occupational accidents and reduced production. Considering the various intensities and frequencies produced by industrial equipments, we assessed the effects of noise on hearing of tile industry workers.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 372 workers exposed to noise level of ≥85 dB in a tile factory in Yazd. After clinical examination and completing the questionnaire, audiometry was done by an audiologist for all. Data was then analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: Our data showed mean age and work duration was 32.2 ± 6.9 and 9.5 ± 6.4 years respectively. Mean hearing thresholds for both ears were higher in 4000 and then 8000 Hz, as well as in higher frequencies rather than lower ones. Also, left ear showed more sensitivity than right ear. There was a significant relationship between hearing threshold and age and work duration (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Our findings showed that exposure to noise in tile industry increases mean hearing thresholds in higher frequencies especially for 4000 Hz, while age and work duration are important factors.
M Ebrahimzadeh, Gh Halvani, F Foroughinasab, R Jafari Nodoushan ,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (12-2011)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Noise-induced hearing loss is on of the most important disease which may lead to some disturbances in workers' safety and performance. This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of hearing loss among the workers of a uranium mine in the central region of Iran.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Measurements were performed in A-weighting scale in response to fast detector. Frequency of hearing loss in left and right ears were assessed in 150 workers. Data was analyzed using SPSS.
Results: Mean age and duration of employment of the subjects was 33.68±7.56 years and 8.08±5.30 years, respectively. Pearson's correlation test showed a significant relationship between hearing loss at frequencies of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000 and 8000 Hz with age and duration of employment (p<0.05). Hearing loss is increased by increasing age and duration of employment. Considering employment duration to be constant, hearing loss was averagely increased 0.52 for each unit increase in age and considering age to be constant, hearing loss was averagely increased 0.2 for each unit increase in employment duration.
Conclusion: This study didn't show a significant hearing loss among the workers because 39.3% of workers were young and 32.7% were office workers without significant exposure to noise but there was a positive correlation between total hearing loss and age and employment duration. Age was more effective on hearing loss than employment duration.
R Golmohammadi, H Amjad Sardrudi , A Dormohammadi , S Musavi ,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (12-2012)
Abstract
Background: Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is one of the most common occupational diseases in the world. About 16% of hearing loss is associated with noise exposure in the workplaces. The aim of this research was investigation of the relationship between noise exposure and hearing loss.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010 on1062 workers in Tabriz Tractor Manufacturing Plant. In this study, the equivalent sound level (Leq) more than 85dB (A) was considered as exposure and hearing loss as outcome. A checklist of items was used in order to extract data from the workers' medical records which included age, work experience, duration of daily work in a noisy environment and hearing loss. Based on the results, a regression model was suggested.
Results: Total of 1062 workers under study, including 392 workers (36.9%) were exposed to equivalent sound level equal or more than 85dB (A) (exposed group) and 670 workers (63.1%) to less than 85dB (A) (non exposure group). Results showed that the hearing loss increased by age, noise exposure and work experience.
Conclusion: Based on the results, it is suggested to control noise exposure for studied workers and apply noise control mechanisms for reducing hearing loss, increase work efficiency and reduce cure costs. Suggested regression model can be used for prediction of NIHL in that workplace for care of hearing loss of studied workers.
Z Loukzadeh , Z Zare Mirakabad, M Mahnam, Sh Hashemi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Abstract
Background: Noise-induced hearing loss is a sensorineural hearing loss, which is associated with exposure to high levels of sound. Since train drivers exposed to high noise levels and the use of hearing protection devices is relatively difficult and they also need to hear the radio communications, this study examines the hearing status of train drivers of Yazd Railway Company.
Methods: This is a descriptive - analytical cross sectional study, which was performed on 153 train drivers. The results were compared with a control group of 148 office workers. After examination and blood tests, audiometry was performed for each subject by an audiologist and the data was analysis with SPSS software (ver.19).
Results: The mean age of the train drivers and control group were 35.8±8.3 and 35.3±6.3 years respectively. Prevalence of high frequency sensorineural hearing loss among train drivers was 21.3% (29 patients), that was significantly higher than the control group. Prevalence of high frequency notch in the right ear in train drivers was 9.6% (13 patients) and 2.9% (4 patients) in the control group (p-value <0.02) and prevalence of notch in left ear was 14% (19 patients ) and, 3.7% (5 persons) in train drivers and control group respectively (p-value<0.003). In train drivers average hearing thresholds of high frequencies was higher in the left ear than the right ear (p-value=0.02).
Conclusion: The high level of noise in the train drivers' cabin increases average hearing thresholds at high frequencies especially at 6000 Hz. The results also show that in noisy environment, left ear is more sensitive than the right ear.
Ghafour Pourzarea, Mirsaeed Attarchi, Fateme Valirad, Saber Mohammadi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (8-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Based on the results of some studies, concurrent exposure to organic solvents and noise in industrial areas can accelerate the amount of hearing loss. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of concurrent exposure to organic solvents and noise on high frequency hearing loss.
Method: This was a cross-sectional analytic study conducted on 1029 tire manufacturing company workers in 2013. After coordination with the factory authorities, required data including demographic, occupational and medical data and also audiometric records were derived from workers medical profile. Finally all gathered data were analyzed using SPSS version 13 software.
Results: After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 914 workers entered the study. The results of this study showed that, the workers including group 4 (workers exposed to impermissible levels of noise and organic solvents) had more severe high frequency hearing loss in comparison to group 1 (workers with no exposure to impermissible levels of noise and organic solvents) (OR= 1.74, 95% CI: 1.15-2.63) and the hearing loss was significant even after modification by logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion: Our study showed that the workers exposed to impermissible levels of noise and organic solvents had higher levels of high frequency hearing loss in comparison to workers with no exposure to impermissible levels of noise and organic solvents, thus we propose that workers with co-exposure to impermissible levels of organic solvents and noise may be benefited from shortening the interval between periodic audiometric evaluation.
Fatemeh Kargar Shouroki, Abolfazl Barkhordari, Mohammadjavad Zaresakhvidi, Seyyed Mohammad Jafari, Ali Dehghani,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (1-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major problem in industrialized and developing countries. Trend of industrialization and lack of proper protective equipment lead to an increased frequency of noise-related disorders especially NIHL. This study was conducted to investigate noise pollution and the frequency of NIHL in workers of one of the ceramic industries.
Materials and Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 155 tile workers were studied in 2015. Mean of age and working experience in participants was 29.45± 6.8 and 5.3 ±3.65 years, respectively. Sound pressure level in different sections of ceramic industry were measured using Brüel & Kjær sound level meter. Pure tone audiometry of air conduction was performed in both ears at frequencies 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. Hearing threshold higher than 25 dB at different frequencies was defined as hearing loss.
Results: Mean of hearing threshold was 20.06 ±7.64 dB in right ear and 17.46 ±8.7 dB in left ear. Total hearing threshold was 17.9 ±8.04 db. About 18.7% of subjects suffered from NIHL in the right ear and 10.3% in the left ear. A significant relationship was found between work experience, job, lack of using proper protective equipment and hearing loss.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the rate of hearing loss among tile workers was high, hearing loss was more frequently seen in right ear than left ear.
Mohammadreza Monazamesmailpour, Alireza Fallah, Fereidoun Laal, Vali Sarsangi, Rouhollah Fallahmedvari,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (3-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: The latest way to control the use of hearing protection devices is sound. The amount of time spent on the phone by workers is one of the most important parameters in hearing conservation programs. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of training scenario in theoretical and practical ways to increase using the hearing protection devices for workers.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, according to the results of the initial stage of the questionnaire, in the experimental group (n= 50) for 5 sessions (practical theory), each shown for 30 to 45 minutes, and workers in the control group (n= 50) in this study have not received any training, and time spent on the phone before and 3 months after intervention in both groups were recorded and compared.
Results: The results show that before intervention only 1 worker (2%) used the device for all time and after intervention 33 workers (66%), which reflect positive effect of training intervention on using the devices. All the conditions were the same for two groups the control group did not reflect significant changes due to lack of training program.
Conclusion: According to the findings, it can be said that the training scenario has been successful in increasing the use of hearing protection devices and also can be used in other health interventions.
Mohammadreza Monazzam, Ali Reza Fallahmadvari, Fereidoun Laal, Vali Saresangi, Rouhollah Fallahmadvari,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (4-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Occupational hearing loss due to noise is completely preventable and using the hearing protection device is one of control proceedings by the workers expose the impermissible noise. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effective factors on occupational hearing loss and also the effective factors on using hearing protective devices by the workers exposed to excessive noise.
Method: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 100 workers exposed to excessive noise were selected through sampling method. Data collection tools were a demographic information questionnaire and BASNEF model constructs, which its validity and reliability were confirmed. Audiometry was performed and recorded for each employee. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 19.
Results: The findings showed that the age and occupational history had a meaningful relationship to hearing threshold shift (p-value<0.05). There is no meaningful relation between martial statue and education level (p-value>0.05). Also, there was a meaningful relationship between education and duration of using the hearing protection device (p-value<0.05). There was no significat relationship between duration of using the hearing protection device with marital status, education level, job tenure and age (p-value>0.05).
Conclusion: The results show that there is a relation between the training of BASNEF model and duration of using the hearing protection device; so this training should be considered in hearing protective programs.
Gholamreza Pouryaghoub, Ramin Mehrdad, Farzaneh Chavoshi,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (12-2017)
Abstract
Background: Exposure to noise can induce hearing loss. Thus noise induced hearing loss is one of the main concerns in interventional study on health effect of noise exposure. We analyzed pre and post exposure audiometeries of volunteers in a clinical trial study that we conducted for effect of noise exposure on cardiovascular system. Methods: In a clinical trial study, 100 healthy, 20-40 aged, volunteer men exposed to 90 dB noise for 30 minute. We take pre and post exposure pure tone audiometric test from all of subjects. Results: Mean of PTA among 100 subjects was reduced 0.72 dB in right ear and 0.44 dB in left ear. Mean of hearing threshold in each of 250, 500, 3000, 4000 and 8000HZ frequencies rise in left ear and was reduced in all of other frequencies in right and left ear. Conclusion: Results of our study indicated that short term exposure to 90 dB noise in interventional studies cannot produce clinically significant hearing loss.
Iraj Alimohammad, Fatemeh Salimi, Kazem Rahmani, Raziyeh Soltani, Fakhradin Ahmadi Kanrash,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: Working in noisy environments may cause hearing loss. Studies have shown that some factors along with noise are independently involved in hearing loss, one of which is cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of smoking on hearing loss in workers exposed to occupational noise.
Materials and Methods: The workers’ hearing loss was measured through a tonal hearing test (air-conduction). Their demographic information was also recorded and evaluated using some checklists.
Results: A total of 250 people were enrolled in this study, of whom 133 were smokers and 117 were non-smokers. The mean age of the participants was 36.07 ± 3.66 years, and there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age. The mean sound pressure level in the work environment was 86 dB based on the ISO standard. There was a significant difference between the hearing loss levels in the right ears and the left ears of the two groups of smokers and non-smokers (P value <0.001).
Conclusion: In general, smoking plays a significant role in hearing loss along with other factors, such as noise in the workplace, and conducting periodic audiometry tests to identify smokers with hearing impairment can be effective in primary or secondary prevention of occupational hearing impairment.
Keywords: Hearing Loss, Smoking, Noise, Occupational
Vahid Zand, Pejman Hosseinpoor, Mohammadhossein Baradaranfar, Mojtaba Meybodian, Mohammad Mandegari, Sedighe Vaziribozorg, Mohammadhossein Dadgarnia,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2020)
Abstract
Introduction: This study aims to determine the serum zinc level in patients with hearing loss and its relation with tinnitus.
Materials & Methods: In this Cross-Sectional study, 110 patients older than 20 years old with Complaining of hearing loss and tinnitus were involved. Participating patients were first visited by an ear, nose, and throat specialist with a history and physical examination, and were assessed for standard hearing loss as well as the intensity and frequency of tinnitus by standard audiometric tests. Then, fasting blood samples were taken to check serum zinc levels.
Results:The mean serum level was 85.32 ± 27 27.62, and the mean frequency of tinnitus was 4.94 ± 2.76, both of which had significant differences between different groups (P = 0.001). The mean intensity of tinnitus was 7.77 ± 4.56, and there was no significant difference between different groups (P = 0.677). Serum zinc level and tinnitus frequency were associated with a correlation coefficient of 0.205 (P = 0.032), and serum zinc level and tinnitus severity were associated with a correlation coefficient of 0.249 (P = 0.009).
Conclusion: According to the present study results, the positive effect of serum zinc levels on the severity and frequency of tinnitus has been determined so that with decreasing serum zinc levels, tinnitus occurs at lower frequencies.
Seyed Roholah Miri, Ahmad Reza Zamani, Athareh Nasri, Hadi Hadizadeh Goki,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2020)
Abstract
Introduction: noise is one of the most important harmful factors in the workplace. The physiological effects of noise on humans are gradual in the long run. Despite industrial advances, exposure to excessive noise is one of the health problems of workers in the world's steel industry. This study aimed to investigate the effect of noise on hearing loss in steel industry workers.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was designed and conducted. The study population was 121 workers in a steel rolling industry whose 5-year audiometry was studied from 1391 to 1395. An audiometer performed the audiometric test of these workers in 5 years. Their audiometric results were extracted from their medical records and examined under ethical principles. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21, and T-Test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used for statistical analysis.
Results: The mean age of participants was 38.88 ± 4.92 years and the mean work experience was 10.94 ± 3.57 years. In this study, a gradual increase in the average hearing threshold at different frequencies in both ears was seen from 2012 to 2016.
Conclusion: noise as a detrimental factor in the steel industry causes a gradual increase in exposed workers' hearing threshold.
