Coexposure to Noise and Ototoxicants as a Risk Factor for Hearing Loss in Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background: Authorities have highlighted the need to study the threat posed by the combined effects of noise and other occupational hazards, including ototoxicants. Few studies focus on the combined effects among healthcare workers.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hearing loss among those who expose to noise alone and those with combined exposure to both noise and ototoxicants.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study among healthcare workers exposed to noise during their work, data were retrieved from annual check-up results, including audiometric findings and personal and work-related factors.Chemical exposure was determined through environmental and personal sampling data review. Hearing loss was diagnosed according to Cole’s criteria. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association between noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and factors of interest, including ototoxicants exposure.

Results: Among 108 participants, a prevalence of NIHL of 29.6% was observed. None of the workplace chemical exposure monitoring exceeded 10.0% of the permissible exposure limit (PEL), and no biological exposure indices(BEI) were detected. Logistic regression analysis exhibited no significant association between NIHL and any risk factors, including exposure to ototoxicants.

Conclusion: Both noise and chemical exposure levels in this study were much lower than the recommended standards, which likely contributed to the statistically non-significant results. The absence of widely accepted diagnostic criteria for hearing loss caused by noise, chemicals, or combined exposure necessitates discussion on proper diagnostic standards.