Investigating the Relationship between Noise Exposure and the Level of Some Reproductive Hormones in Men Working in Power Plants

Employees in power plants are exposed to noise due to working with booster pumps, condensers, fans, boilers, steam valves, and other equipment. Noise, as a common detrimental factor, has devastating effects on human health. Today, infertility is one of the problems observed in different societies, and it is possible that noise, as a job stressor, affects fertility factors. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between occupational exposure to noise and the levels of some reproductive hormones in men working in power plants.

A descriptive-analytical study was conducted among the employees of different sections of the selected power plant around Tehran, in 2019. One hundred and twenty-two men working in the power plant were selected based on the age of 20-50 years, no history of infertility, and no use of bodybuilding supplements and steroids. They completed the Smoking and Petersburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires, and their height and weight were measured to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Noise exposure was measured using the sound meter (SLM). Regarding the duration of each job task, the equivalent sound pressure level for individuals was calculated. Serum levels were determined for free testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 statistical software.

There was no statistically significant relationship between demographic factors (marital status, work shift, education, sleep quality, and smoking) with serum levels of free testosterone, LH, and FSH. With increasing age (r=-0.25, P=0.005) and work experience, serum levels of LH decreased significantly (r=-0.203, P=0.025). In the study of the relationship between BMI and hormone levels, despite a decrease in the level of reproductive hormones with weight gain, no significant relationship was observed (P>0.05). There was no significant relationship between noise exposure and serum levels of free testosterone, LH, and FSH (P>0/05).

There was no relationship between noise exposure and demographic factors with the levels of free reproductive hormones, testosterone, LH, and FSH. However, it is not possible to make a definite statement in this regard without using more accurate methods to estimate male fertility performance and using a stronger study method.