The Effects of Noise Pollution and Hearing of Metal Workers in Arak

Abstract

Background: Noise exposure and subsequent hearing loss are important problems in metal industry. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) and other risk factors associated with industrial noise exposure among metal workers in a metal factory in Arak. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 743 metal workers who were exposed to noise were involved. The environment noise was measured using both sound level meter according to standards presented by national association of occupational health of Iran and ACGIH and ANSI. Audiometry was used to assess the hearing loss in each worker according to ISO-85 standard. Results: Of 1191 station points that sound pressure level was measured there, 224 points (18%) were above the permissible level of 85 dB. In 967 points (82%), sound pressure level was in precaution range (65