Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, Maryland.
Am J Ind Med. 2018 Apr;61(4):326-335. doi: 10.1002/ajim.22827. Epub 2018 Feb 28.
A prior study of this construction worker population found significant noise-associated hearing loss. This follow-up study included a much larger study population and consideration of additional risk factors.
Data included audiometry, clinical chemistry, personal history, and work history. Qualitative exposure metrics for noise and solvents were developed. Analyses compared construction workers to an internal reference group with lower exposures and an external worker population with low noise exposure.
Among participants (n = 19 127) an overall prevalence of hearing loss of 58% was observed, with significantly increased prevalence across all construction trades. Construction workers had significantly increased risk of hearing loss compared to reference populations, with increasing risk by work duration. Noise exposure, solvent exposure, hypertension, and smoking were significant risk factors in multivariate models.
Results support a causal relationship between construction trades work and hearing loss. Prevention should focus on reducing exposure to noise, solvents, and cigarette smoke.
先前对该建筑工人群体的研究发现，与噪声相关的听力损失较为显著。本项随访研究纳入了更大的研究人群，并考虑了其他潜在风险因素。
数据包括听力测试、临床化学分析、个人病史和工作经历。为噪声和溶剂建立了定性暴露指标。分析比较了建筑工人与暴露水平较低的内部参照组和噪声暴露水平较低的外部工人群体。
在参与者（n=19127）中，整体听力损失的患病率为 58%，所有建筑工种的患病率均显著增加。与参照人群相比，建筑工人的听力损失风险显著增加，且随着工作时间的延长，风险逐渐增加。噪声暴露、溶剂暴露、高血压和吸烟是多变量模型中的显著危险因素。
结果支持建筑工种工作与听力损失之间存在因果关系。预防应侧重于减少噪声、溶剂和香烟烟雾的暴露。
