The Effect of Smoking and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) had been confirmed by researchers worldwide; however, the association of smoking and noise induced hearing loss is one of the debatable topics. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the association of smoking and noise-induced hearing loss.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in a rubber factory, and 270 male workers (135 smokers and 135 non-smokers) were studied. Sound pressure level was measured by a sound level meter (CELL 440 model). Hearing loss was assessed using an acoustic room and Velton AD19 audiometer. Data on smoking status and other demographical parameters were collected by anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.

The mean age and job tenure of participants were 34.16 ± 7.46 and 9.40 ± 6.89 years, respectively. The rate of hearing loss among smokers was higher than non-smokers; both groups exposed to occupational noise. Multiple linear regression models revealed that hearing loss was significantly associated with age, smoking and noise exposure.

Although, the association of smoking and noise-induced hearing loss is one of the debatable topics, but the findings of this study indicated that beside noise and age, smoking is a booster factor for noise-induced hearing loss.