[A permanent noise-induced shift in the auditory threshold in textile industry workers]

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Audiology
• Environmental noise exposure

Background:

• Cotton weaving mill workers are exposed to high levels of continuous broadband noise (approx. 100 dB-A).
• Occupational noise exposure is a significant risk factor for hearing impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess hearing thresholds in cotton weaving mill workers.
• To characterize the development and influencing factors of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

Main Methods:

• Hearing thresholds were measured in 236 cotton weaving mill workers.
• Data analysis included age, length of employment, and audiometric test results.

Main Results:

• 90% of workers showed permanent threshold shift, with maximum loss at 4 kHz.
• Hearing loss worsened with longer exposure and was more severe in older workers.
• No significant gender-based differences in hearing loss intensity were observed.

Conclusions:

• NIHL progresses rapidly in the first 8 years of exposure, stabilizing later.
• Increased frequency of preventive audiometric testing is recommended for early detection and intervention.