Abstract:
Objective To explore the impact of factors other than noise on noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among automobile manufacturing workers, and to provide scientific evidence for reducing hearing loss in this occupational group.
Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 3 600 Han Chinese male workers in an automobile manufacturing enterprise. Data on personal lifestyle habits, occupational health examination results, and occupational exposure history were collected and summarized. Logistic regression models were applied to analyze the effects of dietary taste preferences and smoking on the risk of NIHL.
Results A total of 3 266 valid questionnaires were recovered, yielding a response rate of 90.7%. Among them, 575 workers were diagnosed with NIHL, with a prevalence of 17.6%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed: (1) age and cumulative noise exposure (CNE) were significant risk factors for NIHL (OR = 1.459 to 2.489,
P < 0.05), while proper use of hearing protection devices was a protective factor (OR = 0.760,
P < 0.05). Compared with non-smokers, heavy smokers (≥11 cigarettes/day) had a higher risk of hearing loss (OR = 1.360,
P < 0.05). Compared with workers with a light-taste diet, those with a salty dietary preference had a higher risk of hearing loss (OR = 1.738,
P < 0.05). (2) Compared with non-smokers with a light-taste diet, workers with a salty diet who were non-smokers, light smokers (1 to 10 cigarettes/day), and heavy smokers (≥11 cigarettes/day) showed progressively increased risks of NIHL (OR = 1.464, 1.872, and 1.888, respectively;
P < 0.05). In contrast, within the light-taste subgroup, smoking quantity was not significantly associated with NIHL risk (
P > 0.05).
Conclusions Both salty dietary preference and smoking may be independent risk factors for hearing loss, and a salty diet may exacerbate the cochlear damage caused by smoking. Enterprises should reduce noise intensity at the source, shorten workers ’exposure duration to high noise levels, and implement health education programs to encourage smoking cessation and reduced salt intake, thereby establishing a long-term prevention and control mechanism for NIHL.