Investigation of the Relationship Between Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Metabolic Syndrome in One of the Oil Industries in the South of Iran

Investigating the non-auditory effects of noise on humans has been of interest from different aspects. In this study, the relationship between noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and metabolic syndrome. This cross-sectional study was performed on 1380 male workers of one of the oil and gas companies in the south of Iran. The data was obtained via clinical examination and hearing status assessment to evaluate the metabolic syndrome and its components, intravenous blood samples were taken and tested according to NCEPATPIII criteria. For statistical analysis, the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25 at a significant level of 0.05. The results showed that the body mass index variable increased the chance of developing metabolic syndrome by 11.4%. NIHL increases the chance of developing metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.291). Also, the same results were observed in hypertriglyceridemia OR = 1.255, waist circumference (OR = 1.163), fasting blood sugar (OR = 1.159), blood pressure (OR = 1.068) and HDL (OR = 1.051). Considering the effect of NIHL on metabolic syndrome, it is possible to help reducing the incidence of metabolic syndrome and any of its components by controlling noise exposure and accordingly reducing non-auditory injuries to individuals.