[Investigation and influencing factors of hearing loss among workers in a gas production plant].

Objective: To investigate the present situation and influencing factors of hearing loss among noise exposed workers in a gas production plant, and to provide basis and guidance for enterprises to prevent hearing loss. Methods: In November 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among personnel exposed to noise in a gas production plant. A total of 380 questionnaires were collected, among which 319 were valid resulting in an effective recovery rate of 83.9%. Ultimately, 292 were included in the study. The questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, work conditions, behavioral and lifestyle habits, hearing loss, and medical history. The noise exposure levels of the research subjects were determined based on the occupational disease hazard factor detection reports provided by the gas production plant for 2022 and 2023. Whether hearing loss occurred was determined based on the pure tone audiometry results from the occupational health examination. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the influence of demographic characteristics, work conditions, and behavioral and lifestyle habits on hearing loss. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between hearing loss and related influencing factors. Results: Among the noise-exposed workers in the gas production plant, the incidence of high-frequency hearing loss was 14.4% (42/292) . The rate of hearing loss among men was higher than that among women (P=0.010) , and the rate of hearing loss among those with a history of smoking was higher than that among those who had never smoked (P=0.015) . Conclusion: Gas production enterprises should prioritize targeted interventions for workers with prolonged employment histories and smoking habits. Training programs should be implemented to cultivate proper ear protection practices, enhance knowledge of hearing conservation, and promote healthier lifestyle behaviors among employees.