Global NIHL statistics

According to the study, more than 600 million people have jobs across the world that expose them to hazardous noise levels - making exposure to noise in the workplace one of the most common occupational hazards. In the UK alone, work-related hearing problems are estimated to affect 21,000 people.

However, over recent years, scientists have been investigating whether noise exposure affects more than just a person’s hearing, delving deeper into cardiovascular health and digestive health.

How scientists conducted the study

Currently, more than 100 million adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, calling for scientists to study the reason behind it, including the link between noise exposure and hearing loss.

Utilising data from 21,403 employees who work in noisy environments - and who also have an average age of 40 years - the researchers used audiometric tests and measured blood pressure to gain their results.

When approaching the investigation, the researchers used hearing loss as a marker for noise exposure, explaining:

"Several studies [have] reported that bilateral high-frequency hearing loss (BHFHL) is associated with cumulative occupational noise exposure, and BHFHL can serve as an early biomarker for the actual personal exposure to occupational noise."

Did scientists find a link between NIHL and Hypertension?

Having already agreed on the link between hearing loss and number of years spent working with occupational noise exposure, the researchers also found that individuals with “mild and high BHFHL had [an increased] hypertension risk of 34% and 281%, respectively.”
Ultimately, the researchers concluded: "The present study suggested that occupational noise exposure was positively associated with blood pressure levels and hypertension risk."

To read more about this study, click here. 

Industrial Disease Medical Reporting at MLA

As the UK’s leading provider of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) reports, we take a great interest in all industry-related illnesses - exploring the latest studies to ensure we can always offer an unrivalled service.

Having produced over 40,000 NIHL medical reports, we’re proud to provide a comprehensive range of NIHL screenings - covering Audiology Screening, ENT Reports and CERA Testing. Our experienced team drives innovation and efficiencies through everything we do - producing a quality medical report every time.

To learn more about our Noise-Induced Hearing Loss medical reports, please click here.

*https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article