Occupational Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss of Workers in Two Plants in Eastern Saudi Arabia

摘要

Objective: To determine the prevalence of hearing loss associated with occupational noise exposure and other risk factors. Design: A cross-sectional study involving 269 exposed and 99 non-exposed subjects(non- Industrial noise exposed subjects) randomly selected. Current noise exposure was estimated using both sound level meter and noise-dosimeter. Past noise exposure was estimated by Interview questionnaire. Otoscopic examination and conventional frequency(0.25-8 kHz) audiometry were used to assess the hearing loss in each subject.