The Relationship between Noise Exposure, Annoyance, and Loudness Perception and Cognitive-Social Performance of Mine Workers in 2022: A Descriptive study

Occupational noise exposure can be associated with various psychological effects. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between noise exposure, annoyance, and loudness perception and social intelligence and general decision-making styles in workers.

This descriptive study was conducted in a mine in Yazd Province in 2022. In this research, 65 workers were selected by convenience sampling and included in the study. In order to determine the level of noise exposure of workers, dosimetry was performed using a TES-1354 device. According to the sound equivalent level, workers were divided into two groups of permitted and unauthorized noise exposure. Worker's annoyance and loudness perception were determined using a questionnaire. Also, in order to evaluate social intelligence, Silvera et al.'s questionnaire was used. Decision-making styles were evaluated by Scott and Bruce's questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using independent sample t-test, Pearson and Spearman’s correlation coefficients, and chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests.

In the present study, there was no significant difference between the two studied groups in terms of demographic variables (p>0.05). The median score of noise annoyance (p<0.001) and loudness perception (p=0.003) were significantly higher in the workers with unauthorized noise exposure. Also, the mean score of the avoidant decision-making style was significantly higher in the workers with unauthorized noise exposure (p=0.018).

In general, the results of the present study showed that unauthorized noise exposure was related to annoyance, loudness perception, and avoidant decision-making style. Considering the non-auditory effects of noise exposure, it seems necessary to implement a hearing protection program in workplaces with unauthorized noise.