Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Scientific Mining Journal, cilt.61, sa.1, ss.19-24, 2022 (Scopus)
© 2022 Union of Chambers of Engineers and Architects of Turkey. All rights reserved.One of the most important occupational diseases encountered in mining is the noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). In this study, analyses were carried out to examine the NIHL in the open pit lignite mine in Turkey. The NIHL was evaluated in accordance with the miners' age, experience, occupation, exposure value (Lex), and maximum noise level (Lpeak). Noise levels exposed the employees were measured with noise dosimeters and a hearing test was applied to the employees by a special hearing center. To determine the parameters that could be effective in NIHL, all of the obtained data were evaluated by the logistic regression analysis (LRA) and hierarchical log-linear analysis (HLA) methods. It was determined that the NIHL probability of field staff is approximately 6 times higher than operators and drivers. According to the 21-29 age group, it was found that the probability of NIHL in the 57-65 and in the 48-56 age group was 11.4 and 4.41 times higher, respectively. Experience and maximum noise levels were found to be the most important parameters in hearing loss. Besides these, it was determined that the interactions of age×experience, occupation×maximum noise levels, and occupation×average noise exposure levels increased the likelihood of NIHL. A logistic regression model has been developed for the NIHL estimation of employees and hearing loss was found to be a problem mostly for those working in the field. It was determined that hearing loss increased with age and experience, and varied according to occupational groups. In order to prevent NIHL, it is a priority to consider the noise levels to which occupational groups are exposed and to apply technical or personal precautions for all employees of the relevant occupational group.