ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING ON HEARING LOSS AMONG WORKERS IN ABADAN PETROLEUM REFINERY

Hearing loss among workers can be caused many economic losses by the reduction of labor productivity in the industry. The aim of this study was assessment of factors affecting on hearing loss (HL) among workers in Abadan petroleum refinery (Abadan PR). This is a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in Abadan petroleum refinery, Iran, during 2016. The data collection tool was a questionnaire included two parts, demographic characteristics and factors affecting on hearing loss among workers. The coded data were entered into SPSS version 16. According result this study, the minimum and maximum working time per shift was 1 and 18 hr. Based on results this study, the mean age of participants was 39.5±3.42 years. The results showed that the highest work experience was 10 years. The results showed that there are a signification relationship between hearing loss among workers and average distance of resource (P=0.0037), years of work experience (P=0.001) and tinnitus and a feeling of sound in the ears (P=0.0042). According to the research, industries by improved equipment, increase knowledge, periodic examinations, and rotation in work force have been able to increase labor productivity and prevention of hearing loss among workers.