Self-assessment of Hearing Status and Risk of Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Workers from Rolling Stock Plant

摘要

In order to develop a hearing conservation program for rolling stock plant, noise measurements and questionnaire inquiries were carried out in workers. The subjects of the study comprised 124 employees, aged 2159 years. They were asked to complete a questionnaire aimed at self-assessment of hearing status and identification of occupational and non-occupational risk factors of the noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Based on the results from noise measurements and questionnaire data, the assessment of risk of hearing impairment was performed. Workers under study were exposed to noise at A-weighted noise exposure levels varying from 74 to 110 dB during period of 140 years. Such exposures were associated with increased risk of NIHL. Most respondents (81.5 %) were aware of exposure to excessive noise and declared usage of hearing protectors (89.5 %). However, nearly every third worker noticed hearing impairment. Obtained results confirmed the need to implement the hearing conservation program in the rolling stock plant.