O efeito provocado pela sirene na saúde dos profissionais de batalhões do corpo de bombeiros / The effect of the siren on the health of professionals in fire battalions / El efecto de la sirene en la salud de los profesionales de batalla en el cuerpo de la bomba

Introdução: O ruído é um som que provoca efeitos nocivos ao ser humano, sendo uma sensação auditiva desagradável que interfere na percepção do som desejado. Indivíduos expostos a níveis elevados de ruídos por um longo período de tempo podem sofrer danos mentais, socias e físicos. Os bombeiros são uma classe profissional que está frequentemente exposta a ruídos, dentre eles, de sirenes, veículos, ferramentas e alarmes. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito provocado pela sirene na saúde dos profissionais dos batalhões do Corpo de Bombeiros do Distrito Federal. Método: Foi aplicado questionário para avaliar o desconforto gerado pelo ruído e feita medição dos níveis de pressão sonora dos veículos e equipamentos utilizados em resgate. Foram aplicados os testes estatísticos pertinentes, adotando o nível de significância menor que 0,05. Resultados: O ambiente de trabalho foi classificado, na presente pesquisa, como ruidoso por 80,5 % dos participantes, sendo que 72% destes o classificaram como moderado e 15% como excessivo. As queixas mais citadas após a entrada na incorporação foram alteração no sono, o desconforto com sons altos, a intolerância e a irritabilidade. O tempo de serviço, como profissional do Corpo de Bombeiros, interferiu nas questões emocionais relacionadas a aspectos de estresse e distúrbios do sono. Conclusão: O ruído excessivo pode desencadear queixas auditivas e extra-auditivas nos bombeiros. Isso pode causar irritabilidade, distúrbios do sono e desconforto com sons altos. Dessa forma, é imprescindível a implementação de medidas de proteção, visando prevenir efeitos deletérios à saúde dos profissionais.

Introduction: Noise is a sound that causes harmful effects to the human being, being an unpleasant hearing sensation that interferes with the perception of the desired sound. Individuals exposed to high levels of noise over a long period of time may suffer mental, social, and physical harm. Firefighters are a professional class that is often exposed to noises, among them sirens, vehicles, tools and alarms. Objective: To investigate the effect of the siren on the health of the professionals of the Federal District Fire Department battalions. Method: A questionnaire was applied to evaluate the discomfort generated by noise and measurement of the sound pressure levels of vehicles and equipment used in rescue. Relevant statistical tests were applied, adopting the level of significance below 0.05. Results: The working environment was classified, in the present study, as noisy by 80.5% of the participants, 72% of them classified it as moderate and 15% as excessive. The most cited complaints after entry into incorporation were alteration in sleep, discomfort with loud sounds, intolerance and irritability. The length of service, as a Fire Department professional, interfered with the emotional issues related to aspects of stress and sleep disorders. Conclusion: Excessive noise can trigger hearing and extra-hearing complaints in firefighters. This can cause irritability, sleep disturbances, and discomfort with loud sounds. In this way, it is essential to implement protective measures, with a view to preventing harmful effects on the health of professionals.

Introducción: el ruido es un sonido que causa efectos nocivos en los seres humanos, y es una sensación de oído desagradable que interfiere con la percepción del sonido deseado. Las personas expuestas a altos niveles de ruido durante un largo período de tiempo pueden sufrir daños mentales, sociales y físicos. Los bomberos son una clase profesional que a menudo está expuesta al ruido, entre ellos sirenas, vehículos, herramientas y alarmas. Objetivo: Investigar el efecto de la sirena en la salud de los trabajadores del batallón en el Departamento de Bomberos del Distrito Federal. Método: Se aplicó un cuestionario para evaluar la incomodidad generada por el ruido y para medir los niveles de presión acústica de los vehículos y equipos utilizados con fines de rescate. Se aplicaron las pruebas estadísticas pertinentes, con un nivel significativo inferior a 0,05. Resultados: El entorno de trabajo fue clasificado en esta encuesta como ruidoso por el 80,5 % de los participantes, de los cuales el 72 % lo clasificó como moderado y el 15 % como excesivo. Las quejas más citadas después de la incorporación fueron malestar del sueño, intolerancia e irritabilidad. La duración del servicio, como profesional en el Departamento de Bomberos, interfirió con problemas emocionales relacionados con aspectos de estrés y trastornos del sueño. Conclusión: El ruido excesivo puede desencadenar quejas auditivas y no auditivas en los bomberos. Esto puede causar irritabilidad, trastornos del sueño y molestias con sonidos fuertes. De este modo, es esencial aplicar medidas de protección para prevenir los efectos nocivos en la salud de los profesionales.

Reliability of Contralateral Suppression in Evoked Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions

Abstract Introduction Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and their suppression may be considered useful in monitoring cochlear function and the efferent auditory pathway inhibitory effect. Nonetheless, the establishment of reliable parameters of response variations is of great importance. Objectives To verify the replicability of test and retest in the research of the inhibitory effect of the efferent pathway using contralateral suppressing stimulus during DPOAE recording for clinical applicability. Methods Cross-sectional study with 48 volunteers, aged 18 to 30 years, with normal audiometric thresholds. The procedures included were audiometric and immittance measures to overrule any conductive or sensorineural conditions and DPOAE recordings without and with contralateral suppression with a 60 dBHL white noise. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions amplitudes were analyzed and compared in both conditions with Wilcoxon test, and the Spearman correlation test was used to assess test-retest reliability. Results The comparative analysis showed differences between amplitudes in test and retest conditions only in 1,500 Hz for DPOAE measures with all other tested frequencies showing no differences, and no difference was observed in all recorded frequencies in the test and retest comparison for DPOAE suppression. The degree of correlation between test and retest of DPOAE amplitude was good at 6,000 Hz and strong (r > 0.880) at the other frequencies. For DPOAE with suppression, all frequencies presented strong correlation between test and retest: 1,500 Hz (r = 0.880), 2,000 Hz (r = 0.882), 3,000 Hz (r = 0.940), and 6,000 Hz (r = 0.957). Conclusions The study found good replicability in contralateral suppression of DPOAE with potential clinical applicability, and we recommend conducting the test from 2000Hz to higher frequencies for more reliable results.

Reliability of Contralateral Suppression in Evoked Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions.

Introduction Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and their suppression may be considered useful in monitoring cochlear function and the efferent auditory pathway inhibitory effect. Nonetheless, the establishment of reliable parameters of response variations is of great importance. Objectives To verify the replicability of test and retest in the research of the inhibitory effect of the efferent pathway using contralateral suppressing stimulus during DPOAE recording for clinical applicability. Methods Cross-sectional study with 48 volunteers, aged 18 to 30 years, with normal audiometric thresholds. The procedures included were audiometric and immittance measures to overrule any conductive or sensorineural conditions and DPOAE recordings without and with contralateral suppression with a 60 dBHL white noise. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions amplitudes were analyzed and compared in both conditions with Wilcoxon test, and the Spearman correlation test was used to assess test-retest reliability. Results The comparative analysis showed differences between amplitudes in test and retest conditions only in 1,500 Hz for DPOAE measures with all other tested frequencies showing no differences, and no difference was observed in all recorded frequencies in the test and retest comparison for DPOAE suppression. The degree of correlation between test and retest of DPOAE amplitude was good at 6,000 Hz and strong (r > 0.880) at the other frequencies. For DPOAE with suppression, all frequencies presented strong correlation between test and retest: 1,500 Hz (r = 0.880), 2,000 Hz (r = 0.882), 3,000 Hz (r = 0.940), and 6,000 Hz (r = 0.957). Conclusions The study found good replicability in contralateral suppression of DPOAE with potential clinical applicability, and we recommend conducting the test from 2000Hz to higher frequencies for more reliable results.

Drone Noise Emission Characteristics and Noise Effects on Humans-A Systematic Review.

The number of operations of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), commonly referred to as "drones", has strongly increased in the past and is likely to further grow in the future. Therefore, drones are becoming a growing new source of environmental noise pollution, and annoyance reactions to drone noise are likely to occur in an increasing share of the population. To date, research on drone noise emission characteristics, and in particular also on health impacts, seems scarce, but systematic overviews on these topics are missing. The objective of this study was to establish a systematic literature review on drone noise emissions and noise effects on humans. The paper presents the methodology of the systematic reviews performed separately for noise emission and noise effects, assembles current literature, gives an overview on the state of knowledge, and identifies research gaps. Current literature suggests that drone noise is substantially more annoying than road traffic or aircraft noise due to special acoustic characteristics such as pure tones and high-frequency broadband noise. A range of open questions remains to be tackled by future studies.

Evaluation of Noise Reduction Interventions in a School.

INTRODUCTION: Noise in the school environment has been a major concern in many countries around the world. Students need a favorable signal-to-noise ratio in the classroom to ensure adequate speech intelligibility, which is directly dependent on the acoustics of the classroom and favorable noise levels in these environments. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of physical, organizational, and educational interventions to achieve noise reduction in a school. METHODS: Presentations on the effects of noise were made to school administrators, teachers, and students (educational activities), and also to the students' families. Then, thermoacoustic treatment, changes in break times, equipment maintenance, and scheduling of students' departure were applied. Sound pressure levels were measured before and after interventions for the unoccupied and occupied classroom conditions (n = 11 classrooms) and of the school's outside areas (n = 4). Self-administered printed pre- and postintervention multiple-choice questionnaires were completed by the students in the classroom. Measures of the signal-to-noise ratio of the teachers' voice before and after the interventions were also conducted (n = 3 classrooms). The interventions included installation of an acoustic ceiling, installation of air-conditioning, and replacement of the existing furniture with wood furniture. RESULTS: Comparing the pre- and postintervention questionnaires, the Annoyance Index was reduced from 0.78 to 0.59. The tinnitus reported by the individuals increased significantly in the postintervention questionnaire (p < 0.001). Significant reductions in noise levels in both unoccupied and occupied classrooms were observed. There was also an improvement in the mean signal-to-noise ratio in the evaluated classrooms (n = 3) from +7.5 to +8.4 dB. CONCLUSION: Subjective measures and objective assessments demonstrated that both physical and educational interventions had a positive effect on short-term changes in habits and noise reduction in the school environment.

Underwater noise characterization of down-the-hole pile driving activities off Biorka Island, Alaska.

Although down-the-hole (DTH) pile driving is increasingly used for in-water pile installation, the characteristics of underwater noise from DTH pile driving is largely undocumented and unstudied. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the noise characteristics during DTH pile driving of two steel pipe piles in shallow waters off southeast Alaska. The results showed that single-strike sound exposure levels measured at 10 m were 147 and 145 dB re 1 µPa2s with a total of 21,742 and 38,631 hammer strikes, with cumulative sound exposure levels to install each pile at 192 and 191 dB re 1 µPa2s, respectively. Though noise levels from a single strike was lower than impact pile driving of a similar pile, the cumulative sound exposure levels are likely comparable due to the much higher striking rate.

Social Noise Exposure in a Sample of Slovak University Students.

PURPOSE: Social noise exposure is currently an emerging problem in adolescents and young adults. Various leisure time activities may be responsible for hearing impairment (temporary or permanent hearing threshold shift or hearing loss). The study aimed to quantify environmental noise from various sources-voluntary (social) noise (personal music players (PMPs), high-intensity noise exposure events), and road traffic noise and to detect hearing disorders in relation to individual listening to PMPs in the sample of young adults living and studying in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. METHODS: The study included 1003 university students (306 men and 697 women, average age 23.1 ± 2) living in Bratislava for 4 or more years; 347 lived in the student housing facility exposed to road traffic noise (LAeq = 67.6 dB) and 656 in the control one (LAeq = 53.4 dB). Respondents completed a validated ICBEN 5-grade scale "noise annoyance questionnaire". In the exposed group a significant source of annoyance was road traffic noise (p < 0.001), noise from entertainment facilities (p < 0.001), industrial noise (p < 0.001), and noise from neighboring flats (p = 0.003). The exposure to PMPs was objectified by the conversion of the subjective evaluation of the volume setting and duration. With the cooperation of the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)specialist, we arranged audiometric examinations on the pilot sample of 41 volunteers. RESULTS: From the total sample of respondents, 79.2% reported the use of a PMP in the course of the last week, and the average time was 285 minutes. There was a significant difference in PMP use between the road traffic noise-exposed (85.6%) and the control group (75.8%) (p = 0.01). Among PMP users 30.7% exceeded the lower action value (LAV) for industry (LAeq,8h = 80 dB). On a pilot sample of volunteers (n = 41), audiometry testing was performed indicating a hearing threshold shift at higher frequencies in 22% of subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study on a sample of young healthy individuals showed the importance of exposure to social noise as well as to road traffic noise and the need for prevention and intervention.

Ruido en el ambiente laboral y efectos en sistema cardiovascular en operadores de transporte público / Workplace noise and cardiovascular effects in public transportation drivers

La exposición a ruido tiene un potencial importante para causar daños a la salud de los trabajadores con efectos auditivos y extra auditivos. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar los niveles de ruido a los que se encuentran expuestos los trabajadores del transporte público de la ciudad de Chihuahua, México, durante la jornada laboral y su asociación con los posibles efectos en la presión arterial. Para ello, se realizaron mediciones de ruido en el ambiente laboral con un dosímetro. Para la medición de presión arterial se utilizó el monitor ambulatorio, el cual mide la presión arterial durante el desarrollo de las actividades laborales. Los parámetros bioquímicos que se midieron fueron colesterol y triglicéridos en ayunas. Con base en los resultados y al análisis de datos se encontró elevada la presión arterial (hipertensión), ruido inestable con variaciones de hasta 106.7 decibeles A (dB A) y un aumento en los lípidos en sangre (triglicéridos). Los resultados nos permiten proponer que la constante exposición al ruido de los choferes de transporte público, es un factor de riesgo importante para el desarrollo de alta presión arterial y un incremento en los niveles de triglicéridos, lo que aumenta el riesgo de sufrir enfermedades cardiovasculares(AU)

Occupational noise exposure can lead to both hearing and non-hearing effects on workers' health. The objective of this study was to measure ambient noise levels that public transportation workers in Chihuahua, Mexico are exposed to, and their association with blood pressure, using a standard noise level dosimeter. We used ambulatory monitors to measure blood pressure over the work shift, and also measured serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Noise levels varied widely, with peaks up to 106.7 decibels (A-scale); we also found elevated blood pressure and triglycerides. Our results suggest that, among public transportation drivers, continuous exposure to noise is a risk factor for elevated blood pressure and triglycerides which, in turn, are risk factors for cardiovascular disease(AU)

Self-Reported Sleep Disturbance from Road, Rail and Aircraft Noise: Exposure-Response Relationships and Effect Modifiers in the SiRENE Study.

This survey investigates the cross-sectional association between nighttime road, rail and aircraft noise exposure and the probability to be highly sleep disturbed (%HSD), as measured by self-report in postal and online questionnaires. As part of the Swiss SiRENE study, a total of 5592 survey participants in the entire country were selected based on a stratified random sample of their dwelling. Self-reported sleep disturbance was measured using an ICBEN-style 5-point verbal scale. The survey was carried out in four waves at different times of the year. Source-specific noise exposure was calculated for several façade points for each dwelling. After adjustment for potential confounders, all three noise sources showed a statistically significant association between the nighttime noise level LNight at the most exposed façade point and the probability to report high sleep disturbance, as determined by logistic regression. The association was strongest for aircraft noise and weakest for road traffic noise. We a priori studied the role of a range of effect modifiers, including the "eventfulness" of noise exposure, expressed as the Intermittency Ratio (IR) metric, bedroom window position, bedroom orientation towards the closest street, access to a quiet side of the dwelling, degree of urbanization, sleep timing factors (bedtime and sleep duration), sleep medication intake, survey season and night air temperature. While bedroom orientation exhibited a strong moderating effect, with an Leq-equivalent of nearly 20 dB if the bedroom faces away from the nearest street, the LNight-%HSD associations were not affected by bedroom window position, sleep timing factors, survey season, or temperature.

Combined Effects of Aircraft, Rail, and Road Traffic Noise on Total Noise Annoyance-A Cross-Sectional Study in Innsbruck.

Noise legislation in Austria does not provide an assessment of the cumulative effect of noise from different sources. The desire of citizens for a total noise assessment is getting stronger. Within the pilot project "Gesamtlärmbetrachtung" (Total Noise Investigation) Innsbruck, data from 1031 face-to-face interviews were correlated with exposure data from road, rail and air traffic noise. The interviews were selected in clusters according to the exposure combinations of these three sources. In addition to exposure-response relationships, it has also been found that the annoyance response to air and rail traffic noise is independent of the background noise from road traffic. The total noise annoyance response shows a cumulative effect in each source considered. From the source specific exposure-response relationships, a total noise assessment model based on the annoyance equivalents model was developed. This model is more suitable than the dominant source model and thus also considerable for legal application.

Ambient Noise Production by High-Frequency Neonatal Ventilators.

OBJECTIVE: To assess sound levels of 4 high-frequency neonatal ventilators to determine whether there is a safety benefit in using modern high-frequency ventilators compared with older models. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a bench study comparing noise production of the Sensormedics 3100A Oscillator, Bunnell Life Pulse Jet Ventilators Model 203 and Model 204, and Dräger VN500 in high-frequency mode. A wide range of ventilation settings was examined. All measurements were performed in triplicate using a high-fidelity sound meter, with data analyzed using ANOVA and regression analyses. RESULTS: The Dräger ventilator was quietest overall, with average sound levels of 49.8 ± 0.49 dB across all settings. The average noise from the Sensormedics was 53.6 ± 2.01 dB, for Bunnell Model 203 was 54.1 ± 1.09 dB, and for Bunnell Model 204 was 53.7 ± 1.45 dB. Adjustments made to frequency/rate and mean airway pressure/positive end-expiratory pressure had minimal effect on noise, and increasing amplitude/peak inspiratory pressure resulted in significantly more noise by all ventilators. At all settings, the Sensormedics and Bunnell ventilators were louder than the Dräger, and the difference became greater as amplitude/peak inspiratory pressure was increased. CONCLUSIONS: The Dräger VN500 in high-frequency mode produces significantly less noise that both the Sensormedics and Bunnell ventilators. These data suggest that using the Dräger VN500 as a high-frequency ventilator may reduce the potential for adverse outcomes created by ventilator noise.

The combined effects of occupational exposure to noise and other risk factors - a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Noise-induced health effects exacerbate by many other risk factors. This systematic review aims at shedding light on the combined effects of co-exposure to occupational noise and other factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, with appropriate keywords on combined effects of occupational noise, and co-exposure to noise and other factors, revealed 7928 articles which were screened by two researchers. A total of 775 articles were reviewed in full text. We found 149 articles that were relevant and had sufficient quality for analysis. RESULTS: We identified 16 risk factors that exacerbate occupational noise-induced health effects. These factors were classified into four groups: chemical (carbon monoxide (CO), solvents, heavy metals, and other chemicals), physical (lighting, heat, vibration, and cold), personal (age, gender, genetics, smoking, medication, contextual diseases) and occupational (workload and shift work). Hearing loss, hypertension, reduced performance, and cardiovascular strains, are the most important risk factors combined effects due to concurrent exposure to noise and other risk factors. CONCLUSION: Evidences of combined effects of solvents, vibration, heavy metals, CO, smoking, chemicals, aging, heat, and shiftwork were respectively stronger than for other factors. Most of the studies have investigated only the combined effects of risk factors on hearing, and the evidence for non-auditory effects is still limited, and more studies are warranted. Therefore, in the Hearing Conservation Programs, besides noise, aggravating factors of noise effects should also be taken into account.

Níveis de pressão sonora em salas de aula de uma Universidade e seus efeitos em alunos e professores / Sound pressure levels in classrooms of a University and its effects on students and professors

RESUMO Objetivo Mensurar os níveis de pressão sonora em salas de aula de uma Universidade, bem como verificar a autopercepção do ruído e sua influência nas atividades desempenhadas por alunos e professores universitários. Método Trata-se de um estudo realizado em dez salas de aula do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais. Participaram do estudo 279 alunos e 20 professores. Alunos e professores responderam a um questionário destinado ao levantamento de informações sobre a autopercepção do ruído nas salas de aula, seus impactos nas atividades acadêmicas e presença de sintomas associados à exposição ao ruído. Foi realizada também medição dos níveis de pressão sonora nas salas de aula, em pontos selecionados de acordo com o recomendado pela literatura e conforme consta na legislação. Resultados As salas de aula do turno da manhã apresentaram o maior nível de ruído. O primeiro andar apresenta maior nível de ruído mensurado, sendo classificado como o andar mais ruidoso. O ruído é percebido tanto por alunos quanto pelos professores como fator interferente nas atividades desempenhadas dentro das salas de aula, entretanto professores apresentam maior percepção da interferência do ruído em suas atividades que os alunos. Não foi observada ocorrência significativa de sintomas associados à exposição ao ruído. Conclusão O ruído está presente em todas as salas de aula com valores superiores ao preconizado pela legislação nacional. Este ruído é percebido por alunos e professores e interfere negativamente nas atividades de ensino-aprendizagem.

ABSTRACT Purpose Measure the sound pressure levels in classrooms of a university as well to verify the self-perception of noise in the educational environment and its influence on the activities carried out by students and professors. Methods The study was carried out with students and professors who answered a questionnaire regarding self-perception of noise in the classroom, as well as the presence of auditory and non-auditory complaints. Measurement of sound pressure levels was performed in ten classrooms of Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais. The points for measuring the sound pressure level inside the classrooms were selected according to the literature and legislation: three distinct points, totaling nine measurements in each room. Results Participated in this study students and professors from the Institute of Biological and Health Sciences. The classrooms of the morning shift had the highest noise measurement. Classrooms at lunch time had the lowest average noise. The first floor has the highest average noise, being classified as the noisiest floor. Noise is perceived by both students and professors as an interfering factor in the activities performed inside the classrooms, however, professors have a greater perception of noise interference in their activities than students. Conclusion Noise is present in all classrooms with values higher than those recommended by national legislation. This noise is perceived by students and professors and negatively interferes in the teaching-learning activities.

Workers of the hospital maintenance sector: protection, hearing symptoms and noise exposure / Trabalhadores do setor de manutenção hospitalar: proteção, sintomas auditivos e exposição à ruído

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the use of hearing protection and symptoms in hospital maintenance workers and evaluate the noise level of the machines. Methods: a cross-sectional quantitative study held with workers from a public hospital maintenance service. A questionnaire related to personal, clinical and occupational history was used. Measurement of the noise level of the machines in the sector was carried out using a sound pressure level meter. Results: 57 male workers participated, mean age of 43.28 years, among the workers, carpentry prevailed (10.53%), length of time at the job averaged 8.9 years and 9.3 daily work hours; 45.76% did not know what could be done to reduce maintenance noise; 59.65% wore hearing protectors at work, ear plug model (47.37%), and 82.45% thought that the noise was reduced when they wore the hearing protector correctly. Auditory and non-auditory signs and symptoms were denied by most workers. Noise perception in the maintenance service was medium (53%) and high (44%), evidenced noise levels of 62.0 to 101dB (A). Conclusion: the hearing protector was worn by 59.7% of the workers, the plug model was the most used (47.4%) and 75.8% reported that occupational noise decreased with the use of hearing protectors. Most workers use hearing protection and have no hearing symptoms. However, the presence of symptoms such as otalgia (8.8%), otorrhea (5.3%), dizziness (14.0%), tinnitus (17.5%) and difficulty in speech comprehension (7, 0%) should be pointed out. Noise assessment showed high levels from some maintenance machinery, representing a risk for hearing. The sectors of the woodwork and metalwork were the noisiest.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar o uso da proteção e sintomas auditivos em trabalhadores do setor de manutenção hospitalar e avaliar o nível de ruído das máquinas. Métodos: estudo quantitativo transversal, realizado com trabalhadores de um serviço de manutenção hospitalar de um hospital público. Utilizou-se um questionário relacionado aos dados pessoais, história clínica e ocupacional. Foi realizada a avaliação do nível de ruído das máquinas, utilizando-se um medidor de pressão sonora. Resultados: participaram 57 trabalhadores do sexo masculino, média de idade de 43,28 anos, prevaleceu a função de marceneiro (10,53%), tempo de serviço em média 8,9 anos e 9,3 horas diárias de trabalho; 45,76% desconheciam o que poderia ser feito para reduzir o ruído na manutenção; 59,65% utilizavam protetor auditivo durante o trabalho, do tipo plug (47,37%), e 82,45% achavam que o ruído diminuía quando usavam corretamente o protetor auditivo. Sinais e sintomas auditivos foram negados pela maioria dos trabalhadores. A intensidade do ruído na manutenção foi considerada média (53%) ou alta (44%), sendo confirmada no resultado da avaliação do ruído, que variou de 62,0 a 101,0 dB(A). Conclusão: o Protetor auditivo era utilizado por 59,7% dos trabalhadores, o protetor tipo plug foi o mais utilizado (47,4%) e 75,8% afirmaram que o ruído no trabalho diminui com o uso do protetor auditivo. A maioria dos trabalhadores faz uso de proteção auditiva e não apresenta sintomas auditivos. Entretanto, ressalta-se a presença de sintomas como otalgia (8,8%), otorréia (5,3%), tontura (14,0%), zumbido (17,5%) e dificuldade de compreensão de fala (7,0%). A avaliação do ruído demonstrou níveis elevados, oriundos de alguns maquinários existentes na manutenção, representando um risco para a audição. Os setores da marcenaria e serralheria foram os mais ruidosos.

[Reduction in the noise pollution within residential environments - what has been achieved so far?] / Verringerung der Lärmbelastungen am Wohnort ­ Was wurde bisher erreicht?

Surveys show that noise in its various forms is among the most severe environmental burdens. According to estimates of the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a loss of one million healthy life years per year in Europe due to the effects of environmental noise. This paper discusses the harmful effects of noise with the example of traffic noise, for which the highest number of environmental noise effect studies are available. An increasing number of studies show associations between traffic noise and vascular, metabolic and psychic diseases. Too little is still known about the causal mechanisms, even though a number of explanatory models are available. However, it is clear that today it is no longer a question of whether noise is responsible for extra-aural diseases, but under what conditions and to what extent are the risks.The high degree of noise nuisance shows that more action is needed with regard to noise control policy.Over the past few years, federal, regional and local governments have taken countless initiatives on traffic noise control - for instance, within the framework of action plans. Especially notable are the innovative measures, instruments and programs regarding railway noise. In the most important source of nuisance, road traffic noise, less progress has been made. In air traffic noise, too, the revision and development of important laws are still lacking. To promote inner urban development, the level of protection against industrial and sports noise has been reduced.Significant health-related reductions in noise pollution (except regarding the railways), therefore, cannot be expected in the near future.

Nurses interventions to reduce unwanted noise.

The study evaluated the nurses' interventions to reduce unwanted noise. This hospital-based, descriptive study was conducted at a Training Hospital in the Eastern part of Turkey, Trabzon, between 15-30 January 2016. It was participated by 248 volunteer nurses. Nurses express the noise of visitors (96.3%) on the first rank among the kinds of noise. The results of the study showed that most of the nurses were determined to use "a picture hanging technique on the wall" (53.2%) for preventing noise. No significant correlation was found between the descriptive characteristics of the nurses and nursing interventions to prevent noise (p> 0.05). A significant difference was found between the nurses working in internal medicine and surgical service in terms of the effect of noise on their work (p <0.05).

Ações para a melhoria do conforto acústico em instituições de educação infantil / Noise in early childhood education institutions

Resumo Elevados níveis de pressão sonora têm sido observados em escolas e, por sua interferência na saúde das crianças e professores, teve-se por objetivo analisar esses níveis em centros de educação infantil que atendem crianças com idades entre zero e seis anos, investigar a percepção dos funcionários quanto à exposição ao ruído e identificar a audição desses trabalhadores. O estudo foi realizado em dez instituições que empregam 320 trabalhadores. Os níveis de pressão sonora foram medidos segundo as normas técnicas, os funcionários preencheram questionário sobre a percepção do ruído e passaram por avaliação auditiva. Observou-se elevado nível de pressão sonora e diferenças entre as instituições, situações e locais. A maioria dos funcionários se considerou exposta ao ruído com dificuldades de atenção e concentração, ansiedade e dor de cabeça. Cerca de 30% dos funcionários apresentaram perda auditiva neurossensorial bilateral em frequências específicas. Os níveis de pressão sonora encontrados podem comprometer a aprendizagem das crianças e a saúde de todos. Os funcionários percebem o ruído e indicam prejuízos em sua rotina de trabalho. Ações para melhorar o conforto acústico nessas instituições foram discutidas e estão sendo implementadas.

Abstract High sound pressure levels have been observed in schools, and its interference in the health of children and teachers it was taken to analyze these levels in childhood education centers serving children aged zero to six years, investigate the staff's perceptions concerning noise exposure and identify the auditory conditions of these workers and the occurrence of diseases. The study was conducted in ten institutions employing 320 workers. Sound pressure levels were measured according to the technical norms; employees completed a questionnaire on the perception of noise and underwent auditory evaluation. There was high sound pressure level and differences between institutions, situations and places. Most employees are considered exposed to noise with attention and concentration difficulties, anxiety and headache. About 30% of employees had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in specific frequency. The sound pressure levels found can affect children's learning and the health of all. The employees also perceived elevated levels of noise and indicated some possible negative aspects in their work routine. Actions to improve the acoustic comfort in these institutions will be discussed with the management teams.

Quality of life, perception and knowledge of dentists on noise / Qualidade de vida, percepção e conhecimento de dentistas sobre o ruído

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the perception and knowledge of dentists on occupational noise, its prevention, and effects on their health and quality of life. Methods: a cross-sectional study carried out with 54 dentists of both genders. Two questionnaires were applied: one addressing issues of perception and knowledge on noise and its effects, and another on Quality of Life (SF 36). Results: the workplace noise was considered within medium intensity, and a health risk. Some professionals (59.2%) reported knowing noise prevention methods, although they do not use them. Complaints and the most frequently reported symptoms were irritability, difficulty in understanding speech and tinnitus. The perception of the Quality of Life was worse among men. There was association between pain and perception of noise intensity. Conclusion: noise was considered, regardless of gender, harmful to health and associated with perception of musculoskeletal pain. Symptoms and complaints caused by noise have been reported to negatively impact the professional activity of dentists, however, most of them do not adopt preventive measures.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a percepção e conhecimento de odontólogos sobre o ruído, sua prevenção e efeitos na saúde e qualidade de vida. Métodos: estudo transversal, realizado com 54 dentistas de ambos os gêneros. Aplicou-se dois questionários: um abordando a percepção e conhecimento sobre exposição a ruído e seus efeitos e outro sobre Qualidade de Vida (SF-36). Resultados: no ambiente de trabalho odontológico, o ruído foi percebido em média intensidade e considerado um risco à saúde. Alguns profissionais (59,2%) relataram conhecer métodos de prevenção dos efeitos do ruído, porém não os utilizam. As principais queixas e sintomas foram irritabilidade, dificuldade na compreensão da fala e zumbido. A percepção sobre a Qualidade de Vida foi pior entre os homens. Houve associação entre o domínio Dor com a percepção da intensidade do ruído. Conclusão: o ruído foi considerado, independente do gênero, como nocivo à saúde e se relacionou com a percepção de dor musculoesquelética. Foram relatados sintomas e queixas associados ao ruído que podem impactar negativamente a atividade profissional dos odontólogos, mas a maioria não adota medidas preventivas.

The Combined Effects of Aircraft and Road Traffic Noise and Aircraft and Railway Noise on Noise Annoyance-An Analysis in the Context of the Joint Research Initiative NORAH.

The Noise Related Annoyance Cognition and Health (NORAH) research initiative is one of the most extensive studies on the physiological and psychological long-term effects of transportation noise in Europe. It includes research on the quality of life and annoyance as well as cardiovascular effects, sleep disturbance, breast cancer, blood pressure, depression and the cognitive development of children. Within the realm of the annoyance module of the study approximately 10,000 residents of the Rhine-Main district were surveyed on the combined effects of transportation noise. This included combined noise from aircraft and road traffic noise (N = 4905), or aircraft and railway noise (N = 4777). Results show that judgment of the total noise annoyance of participants was strongly determined by the sound source which was judged as more annoying (in this case aircraft noise). To a lesser extent, the average sound pressure level of the two present sources was also of relevance.