| Document ID (ISN) | 106340 |
| CIS number |
07-432 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0535-5133 - Investigación Clínica |
| Year |
2006 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Montiel-López M., Corzo-Alvarez G., Chacín-Almarza B., Rojas-González L., Quevedo A., Lubo-Palma A., Rendiles H. |
| Title |
Prevalence and characterization of hearing loss among workers exposed to industrial noise in the electricity turbogeneration plant of a petrochemical complex |
| Original title |
Prevalencia y caracterización de la pérdida auditiva en trabajadores expuestos a ruido industrial de una planta eléctrica turbogenerada en un complejo petroquímico [in Spanish] |
| Bibliographic information |
June 2006, Vol.47, No.2, p.117-131. 40 ref. |
| Abstract |
This study investigated the impact of occupational exposure to noise and its relationship with other factors that can induce hearing loss among workers in the electricity generating plant of a petrochemical complex in Venezuela. A cross-sectional study was conducted that involved medical examinations and audiometric tests on 75 workers. The equivalent noise levels (Leq) were quantified at various workplaces. It was found that most of the workers were exposed to high noise levels (>85dBA) and for more than the recommended time. All workers used hearing protectors appropriately. Although the hearing loss prevalence in workers was 16.0%, it was not possible to prove that it was noise induced. The hearing threshold registered in the audiometric tests was diminished, but remained within normal threshold values. Twelve cases of grade I conductive hearing loss were diagnosed, with no sensorial or mixed hearing losses. No relationship was found between the equivalent noise level and hearing loss. Recommendations for workers' protection are made, including the implementation of a hearing protection programme. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
noise level; hearing loss; Venezuela; petrochemical industry; electric power generation |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
cross-sectional study; audiometric tests; noise measurement; hearing threshold |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Venezuela |
| Subject(s) |
Noise, hearing and vibration
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Physical hazards
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Diseases of the ear and hearing damage
Noise
Petrochemical industry
Chemical industry
Power generation and distribution
|
