Auditory and metabolic effects of noise exposure among disc jockey workers

Background: Disc jockey (DJ) workers are exposed to high levels of noise during their work. This high level of noise has serious effects on health that may affect their whole future life. These effects can be reduced, or often eliminated through the successful application of noise exposure hazards prevention program. Aim: To assess auditory and metabolic health effects among DJ workers exposed to occupational noise at Benha City. Method : A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the auditory and metabolic effects of exposure to loud sounds among 136 DJ workers at Benha City, Egypt, using audiometer to asses hearing threshold at frequency range of 250-8000 Hz. The study was carried out from the first of September 2022 till the end of August 2023. Results: About 35% of the studied group had mild degree noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 11.8%. Between the studied group who had NIHL and those with normal hearing level there was statistically significant difference as regard their working duration and current use of hearing protective devices (P ˂ 0.01). Age, heavy smoking, prolonged working hours per day, working days /month and working duration(years) were the significant predictors of NIHL and metabolic syndrome among the studied group. Conclusions: Unprotected exposure to loud noise ≥85dB leads to metabolic and auditory health problems.