Methodology for assessing the probability of hearing loss caused by noise

Introduction. Predicting occupational hearing loss is a promising direction in the health protection of industrial workers. The purpose of the study is to develop and test a methodology for assessing the probability of hearing loss caused by noise, taking into account quantitative criteria for assessing the degree of hearing loss adopted in the Russian Federation. Materials and methods. The assessment of the probability of hearing loss caused by noise is carried out in accordance with GOST R ISO 1999–2017 and includes the determination of age, noise, and general hearing loss. To quantify the degree of hearing loss, a combination of audiometric frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz is used in accordance with the classification of the degree of hearing loss caused by noise. The probability of occupational hearing loss caused by noise (%) is determined by plotting the distribution of probabilistic hearing thresholds due to age and noise for the corresponding percentiles (10, 50, 90%). Results. The developed methodology complements and specifies the requirements of GOST R ISO 1999-2017 with respect to the combination of audiometric frequencies, according to which the probability of hearing loss caused by noise is assessed. The boundary thresholds of audibility, the excess of which indicates the presence of a certain degree of hearing loss. Based on the developed methodology, the probabilistic thresholds of audibility at noise exposure of 85, 90, 95, 100 dBA are calculated. The probability of occuptional hearing loss is determined depending on age, work experience, and noise exposure. Limitations. The limitations of the study are determined by the features of the model for assessing hearing loss due to noise exposure according to GOST ISO 1999–2017 and the criteria for assessing the degree of hearing loss in noise workers at audiometric frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz. Conclusion. The developed algorithm will make it possible to determine the probability of hearing loss caused by noise, predict the timing of the development of occupational hearing loss depending on the intensity and duration of noise exposure, the age of the employee, and develop risk-oriented preventive programs.