investigating the effect of operational equipment noise pollution on firefighters' hearing health

firefighters are exposed to hazardous noise levels from sirens, engines, pumps, and communication equipment during emergency operations, placing them at significant risk of noise-induced hearing loss. this research investigates the effect of operational equipment noise pollution on firefighters' hearing health in shiraz fire department. using a mixed-method approach combining audiometric testing of ۱۲۰ firefighters, noise dosimetry measurements during ۵۰ rescue operations, and semi-structured interviews with ۲۰ fire department officers and occupational health specialists, the research examines the relationship between noise exposure and hearing impairment. findings reveal that ۶۲% of firefighters show some degree of hearing loss, with ۲۸% exhibiting moderate to severe impairment. average noise exposure during operations ranges from ۸۵ to ۱۱۵ decibels, exceeding the occupational safety limit of ۸۵ decibels over an ۸-hour period. siren noise and engine noise are the primary sources, accounting for ۶۵% of total exposure. firefighters with more than ۱۵ years of service have significantly higher rates of hearing loss compared to those with less than ۵ years. only ۳۵% of firefighters consistently use hearing protection devices during operations. barriers to consistent use include communication interference, discomfort, and lack of awareness. the research concludes that operational noise poses a serious threat to firefighters' hearing health. recommendations include mandatory hearing protection programs, regular audiometric testing, engineering controls to reduce equipment noise, and training on hearing conservation.

کلیدواژه ها:

noise pollution ، hearing loss ، firefighters ، occupational health ، shiraz