A study of 4-year audiograms in airport gas station workers
Journal
Journal of the Otolaryngological Society of the Republic of China
Journal Volume
32
Journal Issue
5
Date Issued
1997-01-01
Author(s)
Chou, J. C.
Abstract
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common causes of hearing loss in the world. Aircraft noise has hazardous intensity and frequency spectrum, therefore, the workers in airport apron are under high risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Forty five workers at airport gas station were followed consecutively from 1993 to 1996. The age ranged from 30 to 57 years (mean 42), and the working period ranged from 4 to 20 years (mean 9 years). Of these 45 workers, 33 workers (71%) got hearing loss with various degree. The percentage of abnormal hearing is 52% who works within 5 years, 73% in 6 to 10 years and 100% in those over 10 years. Eighteen (40%) of 45 workers developed progressive deterioration of hearing during the 4-year follow up period. Most of them (16/18) occurred in those who worked less than 10 years. Since all workers got hearing loss after 10 years of exposure and remained stationary, the annual hearing testing and close follow up in the first 10 years is quite necessary for preservation of their hearing.
Subjects
Airport gas station | Noise | Progressive deterioration of hearing
Type
journal article