Association Between Occupational or Environmental Noise Exposure and Renal Function Among Middle-aged and Older Korean Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Exposure to occupational and environmental noise is closely linked to various diseases of auditory system. Few studies have focused on noise exposure effect on extra auditory system especially, urinary system. This study analyzed 17,202 participants aged 40–79 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2013 and 2018. A self-reported questionnaire was used to assess occupational or environmental noise exposure. Logistic regression was used to determine the differences in chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence considering noise exposure characteristics. For participants with noise exposure, linear regression was performed to determine the noise exposure period and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In the noise exposure group, a higher CKD prevalence was associated with females who experienced long-term occupational noise (≥ 240 months), compared with the other groups (Adjusted OR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.18–6.94). An increase of one month of occupational noise exposure was associated with a 0.0096 mL/min/1.73 m2, 0.0080 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 0.0159 mL/min/1.73 m2 decrease of eGFR in total, in males, and in females, respectively. Our results suggest that noise exposure can be a risk factor for reduced renal function, especially long-term exposure to occupational noise. More precise studies are necessary to determine the relationship between noise and renal function and the underlying mechanisms.