Study of Sound Levels in the Welding Centers of Babol and Its Health Effects on the Welders in 2018: A Short Report

Background and Objectives: Exposure to high levels of noise can lead to physical and psychological problems. The purpose of this study was to determine the sound level of welding centers in Babol. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was randomly performed in 20 welding workshops in 2018. The sound level was measured by sound level meter. The researcher-made form was completed by the welders to determine the health consequences of the sound. Results: Mean and standard deviation of sound level at the side of the machine was122.75±7.65 dB and at one meter away from the device was 87.45±12.76 dB. 42 (84%) and 8 (16%) patients reported that sound persistence was in half shift and less than half shift. 22 (44%) had hearing loss in the last two years. Conclusion: The results showed that the level of noise was higher than the standard in all measurements next to the device and one meter away from it in all welding centers. Key words: Sound, Welding, Hearing loss, Babol   Funding: This study did not have any funds. Conflict of interest: None declared. Ethical approval: This project was not registered.   How to cite this article: Amouei AI , Talebian F , Fallah SH, Asgharnia HA, Aghalari Z. Study of Sound Levels in the Welding Centers of Babol and Its Health Effects on the Welders in 2018: A Short Report. J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2019; 18 (9): 959-66. [Farsi]