Effect of Occupational Noise Exposure on the Prevalence of Benign Vocal Fold Lesions: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Abstract

Objectives: Voice abuse in noisy environments can result in voice disorders. However, there are insufficient studies to differentiate vocal cord lesions through laryngoscopic examination for workers in noisy environments. This study investigated the relationship between a history of noise exposure in the workplace and benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs).Methods: We used Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2010 to 2012. Chi-square testing was used to compare characteristics between two groups according to the presence or absence of BVFLs. To investigate the association between BVFLs and noise exposure in the workplace, we calculated adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using multiple logistic regression analyses.Results: 10,170 participants with available laryngoscopy results were enrolled. Smoking history, hypertension, diabetes, and exposure to noise for more than 3 months at the workplace were significantly higher in the group with BVFLs. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, drinking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, income, education, and occupation as confounders, we confirmed that BVFLs were 1.52 times more likely to occur in the group with occupational noise exposure (95% CI: 1.157–1.990).Conclusion: Working in a noisy environment could induce BVFLs in workers through voice abuse. Social recognition that a noisy environment is a risk factor for BVFLs needs to be improved, and prevention measures should be implemented.