Global health burden and inequality patterns of occupational noise exposure from 1990 to 2019

Exposure to occupational noise has emerged as a major health issue worldwide. To better evaluate changes in the health impacts of occupational noise exposure from 1990 to 2021, this study conducted stratified analyses of spatiotemporal variations across regions, genders, age, and sociodemographic index (SDI) levels. Results indicate that low-income and rapidly industrializing countries bear higher burdens of occupational noise-related diseases. Males and middle-aged to elderly populations are the primary high-risk groups for occupational noise exposure, with a particularly notable increase in the burden among those aged 45-74. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) significantly decreased with increasing SDI, while estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) showed significant positive correlations with both DALYs (R = 0.3) and SDI (R = 0.4). Regions with an SDI of 0.4-0.6 experienced the most pronounced EAPC growth. By 2035, DALYs rates are projected to decrease to 125.0 ± 1.9 per 100,000, although the burden for individuals aged 65 and above is expected to increase significantly. Population growth and aging were identified as key drivers of DALYs increases, contributing 68.2% and 20.9%, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, the slope inequality index changed from - 9.6 to 2.5, and the concentration index curve became smoother. Although health inequality has improved, the disease burden in low-SDI countries remains significantly higher than theoretical minimum levels. This study provides robust support for reducing global occupational noise exposure and its associated health inequalities.