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Hearing loss from combined exposures among petroleum refinery workers
1National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Bioacoustics and Occupational Vibration Section, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Scandinavian Audiology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Refinery workers experienced significantly higher hearing loss rates (42-50%) than unexposed groups, even within recommended noise and solvent limits. Findings suggest non-noise factors contribute to occupational hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Audiology
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Occupational hearing loss is a significant concern in industrial settings.
- Refinery workers are potentially exposed to various ototoxins and noise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hearing loss among refinery workers.
- To assess the relationship between noise and solvent exposure and hearing loss.
- To identify specific job roles with elevated hearing loss risk.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 438 refinery workers.
- Hearing tests, noise exposure assessment, and solvent exposure assessment were conducted.
- Statistical analysis included odds ratio estimation for hearing loss.
Main Results:
- Hearing loss prevalence ranged from 42% to 50% in exposed groups, exceeding unexposed groups (15-30%).
- Adjusted odds ratios for hearing loss were elevated for workers in aromatics/paraffins (2.4x), maintenance (3x), and shipping (1.8x).
- Acoustic reflex decay tests indicated potential retrocochlear or central auditory pathway involvement.
Conclusions:
- Occupational hearing loss in refineries is prevalent and exceeds general population rates.
- Factors beyond noise exposure, such as solvent exposure and specific job roles, contribute to hearing loss.
- Further investigation into non-auditory factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.