The rate of occupational noise-induced hearing loss among male workers in Israel and implication on hearing surveillance frequency.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate the annual rate of NIHL in Israel, a modern economy with relatively low industrial hazardous noise exposure. To review international protocols of hearing surveillance. To recommend an effective, efficient, hearing screening frequency protocol.

Methods

A historical cohort study was conducted. Audiometric surveillance data from the Jerusalem occupational medicine registry of male employees in various industries from 2006 to 2017 were used. Mean individual annual threshold shifts simulating 1-8 checkup interval years were calculated. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess the interval in which the slope of the calculated ATS variability moderates significantly.

Results

A total of 263 noise-exposed workers and 93 workers in the comparis

SUBMITTER: Makaruse N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10103665 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature