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Abstract

Background Toll road workers are exposed to traffic noise and lead, both of which may increase the risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This study aimed to examine the association between noise and lead exposure and the occurrence of SNHL among toll road workers.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data derived from medical check-up records of 1,445 toll road workers in 2022. Study variables included age, sex, length of employment, past medical history, smoking status, job position, blood lead levels and SNHL incidence. Descriptive analyses were performed, followed by bivariate analysis using the chi square test and multivariate analysis using logistic regression.

Results A higher proportion of SNHL was observed among workers aged >40 years, those with a history of chronic disease, and those working in toll gate officer positions. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age >40 years was independently associated with an increased risk of SNH (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-2.4).

Discussion The findings suggest that age was the predominant determinant of SNHL among toll road workers, while presumed noise exposure and blood lead levels were not significantly associated with SNHL in this study. The relatively short employment duration, low measured or presumed exposure levels, and use of imputed blood lead values may have limited the detection of exposure-related effects, indicating the need for further studies using objective environmental and biological exposure assessments.

Conclusion No significant association was found between presumed lead and noise exposure and the incidence of SNHL among toll road workers. Age was identified as the primary determinant of SNHL in this occupational group.

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