Citation

Pasandi HG, Mahdavi S, Talebi SS, Jahanfar S, Shayestefar M, Ebrahimi MH. Int. J. Occup. Safety Ergonomics 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10803548.2021.1943154

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

AbstractPurpose: A cohort study was designed and implemented to determine the prevalence of hearing problems and their related factors in professional drivers in Shahroud city.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1461 professional drivers were examined. Demographic information, work history, blood parameters, anthropometric, and audiometric tests' data were collected. Hearing thresholds was assessed at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000, 8000 Hz.

RESULTS:64.8% and 54.9% of hearing impairment degrees were observed in the left and right ears, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant. The hearing threshold in the left ear was higher at all frequencies. The maximum hearing loss was at 6000 Hz and followed by 4000 Hz. There was a significant relationship between hearing loss with age groups for right and left ears and type of car for left ear.

CONCLUSION:The prevalence and severity of hearing loss in Shahroud drivers are high, and the most hearing loss is observed in the left ear. Given that the noise-induced hearing loss is an incurable condition and has a significant impact on individuals' quality of life and employment, drivers should be regularly screened for ear damage under the variables affecting hearing loss, and noise prevention training should be provided.

Language: en

Keywords

Noise; Professional drivers; Audiometry; Hearing loss