Analysis on hearing status and related influencing factors in workers exposed to noise in an automobile manufacture enterprise

Objective To study the hearing status and analyze the related influencing factors in noise-exposed workers in an automobile manufacture enterprise, and put forward suggestions for prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. Methods Noise exposure level testing, audiometry testing and questionnaires were performed for noise exposed workers in the automobile manufacture enterprise. To analyze the relationship between different factors and noise-induced hearing loss by cumulative noise exposure(CNE) calculated 8-hour continuous A-weighted equivalent noise level and seniority. Results The detection rate of hearing loss in noise-exposed workers was 22.8%. The noise exposure intensity of stamping workshop is higher than other workshop, and the hearing loss detection rate of stamping workshop workers is higher than other workshop workers. The detection rate of hearing loss has significant difference in LAeq·8 h, seniority, CNE, age, high temperature and wearing earplugs (P 1) and there was an increasing tendency of hearing loss with increase in length of service and CNE, while using of earplugs was a protective factor (P<0.05 and OR<1). With the increase of CNE, the incidence of hearing loss is the rising trend. Conclusion It is suggested to strengthen the noise control and individual protection and improve the high-temperature working environment, which plays an important role in reducing the occurrence of noise-induced hearing loss. Key words: automobile manufacture enterprise; noise; cumulative noise exposure; hearing loss; high temperature