More than half of construction workers suffer from hearing loss
The According to research conducted in the United States, which involved nearly 20,000 subjects, shows that The construction industry is harmful to hearing.
According to the study, the American Hearing loss among construction workers 55% In the study, the prevalence of hearing loss increased rapidly, from 16.11% in 45-year-olds to 86.41% in those under 65.
The study also looked at gender ratios. Women are much less likely to suffer from hearing loss than men. 22.81% of women had hearing loss, compared to 60.91% of men. The explanation for the lower rate of hearing loss in women is that they are less frequently exposed to loud or very loud noise.
The length of time spent in the construction industry significantly increased the risk of hearing loss. For workers who have worked in this field for more than 30 years are nearly four times more likely to suffer hearing loss than those who have worked on construction sites for less than 10 years.
Exposure to noise
For employees who were exposed to loud or very loud noise for 90% of their working time, the risk of hearing loss increased significantly.
The study also addressed other risk factors. One such factor is working with organic solvents, which, according to the study, is also significantly associated with hearing loss.
They also examined how smoking affects hearing loss. They found that those who smoke or who have smoked in the past have a significantly increased risk of hearing loss, compared to those who have never smoked.
The risk of hearing loss was significantly higher among construction workers than among industrial workers exposed to noise levels above 80 dBA.
The study was based on a sample of more than 19,000 workers who participated in the medical screening program for construction workers (BTMed).
The study clearly shows the damage that continuous exposure to noise can cause. 40-65 dBA psychological noise at sound pressure level effects. The 65-85 dBA behavioral changes between them and the autonomic nervous system cause discrepancies in functions operating under its control. 85 dBA A temporary, periodic increase in hearing threshold detectable even after a single exposure to noise of varying duration., which is often accompanied by complaints of tinnitus.
Therefore, it is very important that the employer provides appropriate noise reduction with hearing protection devices provide for the employees.
Source: American Journal of Industrial
