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International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics· 2026Q2

Risk assessment of hearing loss: a case study of an ice factory in Thailand

Watcharaporn Wongsakoonkan, Sangmanee Yaken, Thairong Jitthaisong, Treeranut Srisunont et al.

Short summary

In a Thai ice factory study (n=137), 30.7% of workers had high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL), with older age, smoking, and noise exposure ≥85 dB(A) being key risk factors.

AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.

Key points

  • 30.7% of 137 ice factory workers in Thailand exhibited high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL).
  • Workplace noise levels ranged from 82-92 dB(A), with 59.1% exposed to ≥85 dB(A).
  • Older age, current smoking, and noise exposure ≥85 dB(A) were independently associated with HFHL.
  • Audiometry was conducted after at least 14 hours of noise avoidance.

AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.

Abstract

This study investigated workplace noise exposure, hearing status, factors associated with high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) and occupational hearing risk among ice factory workers in Thailand. A cross-sectional study included 137 workers from seven ice factories in Pathum Thani Province. Workplace noise levels were measured across major production areas using the equivalent continuous sound pressure level over 8 h (LAeq,8h). Pure-tone audiometry was performed after at least 14 h of workplace noise avoidance. HFHL was defined as a binaural average hearing threshold >25 dB hearing loss at 3, 4 and 6 kHz. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Workplace noise levels ranged from 82 to 92 dB(A), with 59.1% exposed to ≥85 dB(A). HFHL prevalence was 30.7%. Older age, current smoking and workplace noise exposure ≥85 dB(A) were independently associated with HFHL. Preventive measures based on the hierarchy of controls may help reduce occupational hearing risks in ice factories.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2026 · DOI ↗

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Field: Speech and Hearing

Speech and HearingHealth Professions