Prevalence and correlates of hearing loss in a cement factory.

Objective. To assess the impact of occupational exposure to noise, as well as its relationship with other factors that can induce hearing loss. Materi al and methods. In January and February 1997, we conducted sonometry and do simetry tests in a cement factory, as well as audiometric test in cement wo rkers, to identify sources of noise and evaluate the effect to noise exposu re and other factors, of the prevalence of occupational hearing loss. Stati stical analysis was conducted using measures of central tendency, bivariate analysis and polynominal regression models. Results. High noise levels wer e found in the crushing, crude milling, and cement milling sites. The highe st individual dose corresponded to the packer job post. Fifty-five per cent of the study population presented some degree of hearing loss due to noise exposure. The cement processing area with the highest percentage of damage d workers was calcination. Conclusions. Our results show that noise is a se rious risk factor in particular sites of cement factories, and also that an elevated number of hearing loss cases are due to occupational noise exposu re in this industry; Our findings underscore the need for designing and imp lementing hearing protection programs, to assure the health and safety of c ement workers.