Hearing impairment due to occupational noise exposure in workers of a plastic industry in Quito, Ecuador

This study aimed to evaluate hearing impairment caused by occupational noise exposure in workers from a plastic manufacturing plant in Quito, Ecuador, during the year 2024. A quantitative, descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional design was applied. The sample consisted of 64 workers exposed to sound levels exceeding permissible limits. Clinical audiometries, sound pressure level measurements using Cirrus Class 2 sound level meters, and compliance with Ministerial Agreement No. 196-2024 were analyzed. The results revealed a trend of hearing deterioration associated with increasing age and years of exposure. The printing, extrusion, milling, and production control areas showed noise levels above 85 dB(A) and a higher prevalence of hearing loss. Pearson's correlation test indicated a negative and statistically significant relationship between years of exposure and hearing loss (r = -0.266, p = 0.034). Areas with noise levels within the regulatory limit showed less auditory impairment. It is concluded that chronic exposure to industrial noise is associated with progressive hearing deterioration. It is recommended to implement a hearing conservation program in the plant, reinforce regulatory compliance, and adopt technical and administrative control measures to mitigate occupational risk.

• Autore principale: Quiñonez Hurtado, Vladimir Anibal (author)
• Altri autori: Medrano Aulestia, Jessica Valeria (author), Nuñez Solano, Sergio Julio (author)
• Natura: article
• Lingua: spa
• Pubblicazione: 2025
• Soggetti: Hearing impairment; Noise exposure; Occupational health; Plastic industry; Occupational noise; Afectación auditiva; Exposición al ruido; Ruido laboral; Salud ocupacional; Industria de plásticos
• Accesso online: https://revista.sangregorio.edu.ec/index.php/REVISTASANGREGORIO/article/view/3650