A risk model and nomogram for high-frequency hearing loss in noise-exposed workers

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Audiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• High-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) is a significant occupational health issue globally.
• Early identification of HFHL is crucial for effective prevention in at-risk populations.
• Noise-exposed workers face a substantial risk of developing HFHL.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct and validate a predictive risk model for high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL).
• To develop a nomogram for estimating individual HFHL risk among noise-exposed workers.
• To identify key demographic and occupational factors associated with HFHL.

Main Methods:

• Utilized archival data from the 2014-2017 National Key Occupational Diseases Survey-Sichuan.
• Developed and validated a risk model and nomogram using binary logistic regression on a large cohort (32,121 workers).
• Assessed model performance using receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration plots.

Main Results:

• 10.06% of noise-exposed workers exhibited HFHL.
• Significant risk factors for HFHL included older age, male sex, longer noise exposure duration, and specific industry/enterprise types (manufacturing, construction, mining, private-owned enterprises).
• Age (OR=1.09), male sex (OR=3.25), noise exposure duration (OR=1.15), and industry (manufacturing OR=1.50, construction OR=2.29, mining OR=2.63) were associated with increased HFHL risk.

Conclusions:

• The developed risk model and nomogram provide a valuable tool for predicting HFHL in noise-exposed workers.
• These tools can support targeted prevention and management strategies in occupational settings.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering age, sex, noise exposure, and work environment in HFHL prevention programs.