Noise in the workplace and audiometric examinations in workers of a ceramic factory

732 workers from several loudest production departments in a pottery plant were examined. The noise level measurements were carried out at a regular course of work. Auditory sensitivity threshold was determined via air conduction, at frequencies of 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 Hz. Functioning of the organ of hearing under conditions of noise at the workplace was analysed. The influence of several noise levels--up to 85 dB/A/ and higher, and the relation between the length of service and hearing sensitivity threshold were investigated. The largest exposures were recorded in the batching and milling plant, sorting and kilns departments.