Impact of age and solvent exposure on audiometric abnormalities among automotive production workers: A cross-sectional study from Türkiye

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between occupational noise, solvent exposure, and audiometric abnormalities in male automotive industry workers, focusing on factors associated with audiometric abnormalities, including age, body mass index, and biochemical markers.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 male workers who were admitted to the outpatient clinic of Ankara Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital for periodic health examinations between September 1, 2020, and July 1, 2021. Audiometric results and biochemical markers, including hippuric acid, trichloroacetic acid, and manganese, were assessed alongside demographic and occupational variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictive factors for abnormal audiometry results.

Results: Among the participants, 61.2 % exhibited abnormal audiometry results, and 11.4 % had noise-induced hearing loss. Age strongly predicted abnormal audiometry (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07–1.15, p < 0.001), with an 11% increase in odds per year. Elevated trichloroacetic acid (TCA) levels were also associated with a 9% increase in odds of abnormal audiometry (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.18, p = 0.027). No significant associations were found for body mass index, duration of work, or hippuric acid levels.

Conclusions: Age and TCA levels were significantly associated with audiometric abnormalities among workers exposed to occupational noise and solvents. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, including regular audiometric evaluations and minimizing solvent exposure, to reduce the risk of hearing loss in industrial settings. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms linking solvent exposure and auditory dysfunction.