Hearing risk in motorcycle taxi drivers of a Southern Brazilian city

Abstract

Objective: to characterize the hearing profile of motorcycle taxi drivers and analyze the risk of their exposure to noise. Methods: a cross-sectional study with 17 motorcycle taxi drivers of a city on the Southern coast of Brazil, in 2008. Noise was measured at workplace and during a standard route. The dose of exposure to noise was calculated, a questionnaire on the perception of auditory and extra-auditory effects was applied and an auditory hearing assessment through threshold tonal audiometry was performed. Results: at workplace, noise was around 73dBA (decibels, A scale), and while commuting, noise was above 100% for a 12-hour working day. Strain and stress/fatigue after work were reported by 58.8% of the subjects and 52.9% of them showed hearing losses, five presenting characteristic noise-induced hearing losses (NIHL). However, the motorcycle taxi drivers did not associate the adverse health effects to the continuous exposure to noise. Conclusion: the motorcycle taxi drivers presented hearing risk, 29% of them presenting hearing alterations with characteristics suggestive of noise-induced hearing loss, which makes the implementation of auditory conservation programs of extremely importance for this class of workers.

Profile of metabolic damages in occupational hearing loss

“…A associação da existência do risco auditivo em relação ao uso de motocicleta, na realização de tarefas laborais é confirmada, considerando que os limites de exposição ao ruído somados ao ruído urbano presente no trânsito podem ultrapassar a dose diária recomendada, trazendo possíveis prejuízos auditivos aos motociclistas 22 . O zumbido como queixa auditiva em trabalhadores expostos ao ruído é amplamente relacionado na literatura, principalmente como um sintoma da perda auditiva 20,23,24,25,26 .…”

Assessing the physical conditions of motorcycle taxi stands and comfort conditions of the drivers in the central business district of Bangkok

“…Several studies have investigated the specific domain of the quality of life among motorcycle taxi drivers, with particular focus on aspects pertaining to health and health behaviors. De Conto et al (2018) examine the hearing characteristics and risk of noise exposure among motorcycle taxi drivers in a southern Brazilian city. The sample group consisted of 17 drivers.…”