Influence of occupational noise on hearing: systematic review of foreign literature.

The article is aimed to systematically review evidence-based data published in foreign literature on influence of level and characteristics of occupational noise on hearing loss. Search of the literature was based on key words "occupational noise exposure, permissible exposure limit, dose-response relationship, acceptable noise level, noise-induced hearing loss" The authors studied 349 publications, 7 out of which were included into the present systematic review. Findings are that developed countries demonstrate a tendency to decreased prevalence of hearing loss among workers exposed to noise. Occupational groups with increased risk include workers of mining, machinery, light industries and agriculture. Lower occupational risk or no risk of hearing loss is seen in education, transport workers, musicians and other groups. Occupational noise level of 80 dB is a theoretically minimal exposure level resulting in no increase in hearing loss risk. Following normal noise level at 85 dB could decrease prevalence of hearing loss due to noise.

[FEDERAL CLINICAL RECOMMENDATIONS IN DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF HEARING LOSS DUE TO NOISE].

Noise induced hearing loss is a slowly developing hearing impairment, caused by occupational exposure to excessive noise levels, constitutes a lesion of the auditory analyzer and clinically manifested as chronic bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Currently, there is not a treatment that provide a cure of sensorineural hearing loss. Regular, individually tailored treatment should be directed to the pathogenic mechanisms and specific clinical symptoms of hearing loss, as well as the prevention of complications. We recommend using non-drug therapies that can improve blood flow in labyrinth, tissue and cellular metabolism.

[FEDERAL CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR THE DIAGNOSIS, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS].

The purpose of development of this clinical practice guidelines was to provide evidence-based protocols that help the practitioner and the patient make the right decision for the health assessment, treatment and prevention of pneumoconiosis. Pneumoconiosis is the interstitial lung disease of occupational origin caused by prolonged inhalation of inorganic dust, characterized by chronic diffuse aseptic inflammation in lung tissue with the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Currently, thereare no treatment that provide a cure pulmonary fibrosis and changes in the dynamics of decline in lung function. Regular, individually tailored treatment should be directed to the pathogenic mechanisms and some clinical symptoms of pneumoconiosis, as well as the prevention of complications. To enhance the effect of pharmacotherapy is recommended to use non-drug therapies that enhance the functionality of the respiratory system.

[Comparative analysis of occupational risk evaluation results through various methodic approaches].

Comparative analysis covered three models of occupational risk evaluation: (1) Method to evaluate risks at workplace, elaborated in Finland and recommended by International Work Safety Agency for Eastern Europe and Central Asia countries; (2) Method elaborated in Research Institute for Occupational Medicine with RAMSc under the direction of N.F. Izmerov and E.I. Denisov; (3) Method evaluating individual occupational risk, with consideration of work conditions and worker's health state, also elaborated in Research Institute for Occupational Medicine with RAMSc and Klin Institute of Work conditions and safety, approved in 2011 as methodic recommendations. Findings are that in contemporary Russia a unified method evaluating occupational risk is more expedient; the first method satisfactorily describes actual ratio of occupational risk levels and could be useful as an additional method for its evaluation, especially for psycho-social factors; the second method does not allow to evaluate occupational risk acceptably if absent longstanding occupational morbidity, but is recommended for risk evaluation in evidence-based medicine; the third method is recommended at federal level to fulfil requirements of Labour Code in Russian Federation and obligatory social insurance purposes.

[Evaluating regional system of occupational medical service organization].

The article covers analysis of regional occupational pathology service designed for primary medical and sanitary care for workers and specialized care in occupational pathology center. The authors proved cooperation between occupational pathology center and Occupational Pathology department of the Medical University to be optimal.

[Pace of pulmonary function deterioration in patients with occupational bronchial diseases: influence of various factors].

Prospective cohort study covered 348 workers of dust-related occupations with verified occupational bronchial diseases. The authors studied dependence between industrial aerosol levels at workplace, smoking status and pace of pulmonary function decrease in individuals with chronic bronchitis and COLD. Conclusion is that totality of occupational bronchial diseases patients is uneven and differs in course and clinical and functional parameters.

[Classification of occupational bronchial diseases: matters of controversy, open problems].

Current national classification of occupational bronchitis lacks to consider drastic changes in understanding pathogenesis of bronchial diseases over the recent decade, that leads to misunderstanding between occupational therapists and general practitioners in using this classification. The authors suggested a variant to classify occupational bronchial diseases: chronic occupational nonobstructive (simple) bronchitis and occupational COPD, that correspond to approaches accepted by international medical community. Tracheobronchial dyskinesia, asthmatic bronchitis and chronic pneumonia should be excluded from the classification.

[ILO plan of action (2010-2016) on occupational safety and health and new list of occupational diseases].

ILO plan of action (2010-2016) to achieve widespread ratification and effective implementation of the occupational safety and health instruments (Convention No. 155, its 2002 Protocol and Convention No. 187) is discussed. ILO documents on recording and notification as well as new list of occupational diseases (revised 2010) are considered.

[Substantiation of approaches to implementation of anti-smoking program in industrial enterprise].

The article deals with prevention of chronic obstructive lung disease in industrial workers. The authors analysed prevalence of smoking and tobacco addiction degree on four enterprises of Tatarstan Republic. Share of smokers with moderate and high degree of tobacco addiction among the workers appeared high. The article covers approaches to realize corporate anti-smoking programs and to evaluate its efficiency.

[Bases of critical length of service and criteria of early diagnosis of occupational diseases in workers of pyroxylin powder production]. / Obosnovanie kriticheskogo stazha raboty i kriteriev rannei diagnostiki professional'noi i professional'no obuslovlennoi patologii u rabotaiushchikh v proizvodstve piroksilinovogo porokha.

Production of pyropowder, as a model of hazardous production, appeared to have the main features showing unfavorable influence of work conditions on the workers' health state. Based on those features, the authors designed criteria for early diagnosis of occupational diseases and determined critical length of service in the stated production, during which no changes of the workers' health state occur.