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Occupational Noise Exposure and High-Frequency Hearing Loss: A Comparative Study of Workers Across Multiple
XiaoJing Zheng1, GuoFeng Xiong, Bing Chen
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Objective:
This study aimed to compare occupational noise exposure levels and identify risk factors for high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) among workers in different industries.
Methods:
Using typical sampling, 789 workers were recruited between January 2025 and July 2025, including those from manufacturing, construction, mining, and a low-noise-exposed control group. Demographic and occupational data were collected, personal noise exposure levels were measured, and bilateral hearing thresholds were assessed. For the comparison between groups of measurement data, an independent-samples t -test or one-way analysis of variance was used; for categorical data, the χ 2 test was employed. Multivariate logistic regression model was applied to analyze risk factors.
Results:
Significant intergroup differences in noise exposure levels were observed ( P < 0.05), with the mining group showing the highest exposure [89.74 ± 4.02 dB(A)]. HFHL prevalence was highest in the mining group (28.79%) compared with that in the other groups. The mining group exhibited a higher HFHL detection rate (28.79%) than the other groups. Multivariable logistic regression identified the following as significant risk factors: age ≥30 years [30-39 years: odds ratio (OR) = 2.320, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.318-4.084, P = 0.003; 40-49 years: OR = 4.500, 95% CI: 2.491-8.132, P < 0.001; 50-55 years: OR = 8.188, 95% CI: 4.332-15.476, P < 0.001], employment duration ≥11 years (11-20 years: OR = 2.298, 95% CI: 1.306-4.043, P = 0.004; >20 years: OR = 3.422, 95% CI: 1.888-6.202, P < 0.001), smoking (OR = 1.869, 95% CI: 1.257-2.778, P = 0.002), and occupational noise exposure (manufacturing: OR = 17.600, 95% CI: 4.091-75.708, P < 0.001; construction: OR = 24.592, 95% CI: 5.848-103.419, P < 0.001; mining: OR = 40.021, 95% CI: 9.611-166.645, P < 0.001). The use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) was a significant protective factor (OR = 0.435, 95% CI: 0.288-0.657, P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Occupational noise exposure is an independent risk factor for HFHL, with marked industry-specific differences. Enhanced noise control measures and improved HPD compliance, particularly in mining and construction, are urgently needed for HFHL prevention.
