Prevalence of noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss among workers in the engine room area of ​​the Mexican Social Security Institute, Saltillo, Coahuila 13 7

Abstract

Introduction: Sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) due to chronic acoustic trauma is the second leading cause of occupational disease in Mexico. The main cause is exposure to industrial noise in the workplace. Several studies have shown that irreversible hearing damage begins after 5 years of exposure. SHL is a significant occupational disease due to the widespread presence of manufacturing industries in the country, with many workers continuously exposed to high levels of occupational noise. Objective: To determine the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss due to chronic acoustic trauma among engine room workers, in Saltillo, Coahuila 2026. Materials and methods: This was a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a non-experimental design. A census sample of 49 engine room workers met the established inclusion criteria. Results: 61.2% of engine room workers with five or more years of occupational exposure had hearing loss related to SHL caused by chronic acoustic trauma. Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in workers exposed to noise at work, suggesting a relationship between the length of time since chronic exposure and hearing damage. Although baseline pure-tone audiometry data were unavailable for comparison, the results highlight the importance of early detection of the condition. Pre-employment audiometry and periodic follow-up are recommended for all workers exposed to noise.