Assessment of noise exposure and hearing loss in a cement industry

Different factors in the workplace may create potential health risks for workers. Noise is one of these factors and it is considered as a concern through the world. The aim of this study is to provide information on the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among cement factory workers.

In this descriptive-analytical study, 283 workers were randomly selected from different production units in a cement factory. Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) was measured by using a Casella CEL-320 ‎ dosimeter and Sound Pressure Level (SPL) was measured by using a TES-1358 sound level meter (SLM) (sn: 090717269), with high accuracy. Audiometric tests were conducted by using an AVA C88 audiometer. Hearing Threshold Levels (HTLs) were calculated at different frequencies for both ears. Collected data were analyzed by using SPSS.16 software and statistical tests.

About 55 percent of the participants suffered from some levels of hearing-loss at the frequency range of 4- 8 KHZ. There was a significant difference between the mean HTLs ‎ of left and right ear at most frequencies. The highest mean of sound pressure level (SPL) was measured in crusher unit and the lowest mean occurred in bag-filling unit.

Occupational exposure to noise has the potential to cause hearing loss in cement factory workers. Therefore, it is necessary to perform effective measures to prevent the prevalence of hearing loss in units with high exposure risks.