Evaluation of hearing loss and changes in blood pressure of welders in a 4 year period

Improvements in science and technology and the use of modern machinery in manufacture have led to ncrease in the number of workers exposed to hazardous agents including noise. This study evaluated the ffects of occupational noise on hearing loss and blood pressure in welders after 4 years.In this cohort tudy, all of the welders working at one of Neyshabur s water heater producing factories were studied. A uestionnaire including demographic data, history of diseases and certain drug use was completed for ach worker. Moreover the workers audiometry results and blood pressure measurements from 4 years go were compared with recent results. Data analysis was performed using SPSS18software.The verage age of the welders was of 35.6 ? 6.25 and the mean years of employment was 7.66 ? 2.18 ears. The equivalent noise exposure of workers on one business day was 97.8 dB and varied between 0-110 dB. After 4 years, there was a significant increase in hearing loss (6.04 dB) in the right ear of orkers at 8000 Hz (p=0.0001) and in the left ear at 1000 (1.77 dB)(p=0.04), 4000 (2.29 dB)(p=0.02)and 000 Hz (4.89 dB)(p=0.0001). During this time blood pressure also increased but was not significant. here was no significant relation between age, years of employment, smoking and education with ndividual hearing loss during these four years. Many neglected job groups such as welders are prone to earing loss and possibly chronic increases in blood pressure due to noise exposure in their workplace nd should use protective hearing equipment.