Analysis of exposure to sound pressure levels and its relationship with the degrees of hearing loss in drivers of the transport terminal association of the city of Pamplona Análisis de la exposición a los niveles de presión sonora y su relación con los grados de pérdida auditiva en conductores de la asociación del terminal de transporte de la ciudad de Pamplona

Abstract

Introduction: Noise is the representation of environmental deterioration, composed of the sound from many sources in different directions, near and far, they are characterized by being unpleasant, at an intensity greater than 65 dB. Drivers are characterized by being exposed to different noises and vibrations. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study, to determine the relationship between occupational noise exposure and the degree of hearing loss of 24 workers who work as drivers in the Pamplona City Transport Terminal Association in 2023. Results: The relationship between hearing loss and the level of exposure to occupational noise, shows in the left ear that 18 workers have hearing loss where 4 of these are exposed to high level noise, and in the right ear 16 workers have hearing loss, however, there is no statistically significant association with P = 0.68 left ear and P = 0.50 right ear. Analysis and discussion: Occupational noise is one of the main causes of hearing loss, so that when it comes to the work of drivers, they are exposed to different noises and it is a job where hearing is indispensable. Conclusions: Drivers of the association of the transport terminal of the city of Pamplona, ​​have hearing loss even if it is mild, moderate, severe or profound and, at the same time, are exposed to noises of different levels since their work exposes them to continuous permanent noises whether at low, medium and high levels.