Tinnitus in Noise Exposed Workers

Abstract Background: Tinnitus in noise exposed workers is worse, which seriously affects the normal life and work. Workers with tinnitus often complain that even going to see the doctor is ineffective. They think tinnitus is caused by occupational noise exposure, which makes tinnitus worse. To find the truth the investigation and analysis of tinnitus including reason, treatment and effect and hearing level was proceeded among all noise-exposed workers in railway transportation mechanical manufacturers in Beijing in 2015. Methods: Cross-section study was conducted. 519 noise-exposed workers were selected as exposed group, 515 non noise-exposed workers were selected as control group. Self-designed questionnaire was used in the way of face-to-face to get subjects’ information including social statistical data, occupational history, past history and living habits. Results: The incidence of tinnitus was 36.6% among noise-exposed workers, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (c2= 40.725, P < 0.05). Meanwhile the incidence of seeing the doctor was 15.8%. The incidence of tinnitus was significantly different in different subgroups of exposed group (c2= 6.072, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between using earphones and tinnitus (P > 0.05). In the exposed group the incidence of hearing abnormal in workers with tinnitus was significantly higher than those without tinnitus (c2= 18.570, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Right knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) would be helpful for workers with tinnitus. Occupational health education and supervision of noise-exposed workers should be further strengthened in this industry. Personal protection should be enhanced so as to improve occupational health.