Applying machine learning algorithms to explore the impact of combined noise and dust on hearing loss in occupationally exposed populations

Abstract This study aimed to explore the combined impacts of occupational noise and dust on hearing and extra-auditory functions and identify associated risk factors via machine learning techniques. Data from 14,145 workers (627 with occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL)) at Hebei Medical...

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Main Authors: Yong Li, Xin Sun, Yongtao Qu, Shuling Yang, Yueyi Zhai, Yan Qu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-03-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93976-5
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author Yong Li
Xin Sun
Yongtao Qu
Shuling Yang
Yueyi Zhai
Yan Qu
author_facet Yong Li
Xin Sun
Yongtao Qu
Shuling Yang
Yueyi Zhai
Yan Qu
author_sort Yong Li
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This study aimed to explore the combined impacts of occupational noise and dust on hearing and extra-auditory functions and identify associated risk factors via machine learning techniques. Data from 14,145 workers (627 with occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL)) at Hebei Medical Examination Center (2017–2023) were analyzed. Workers with combined exposure and without specific contraindications or other hearing impairment causes were included. Demographic and clinical data were gathered. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests examined variables, and multivariate logistic regression determined ONIHL risk factors. Machine learning algorithms like Logistic Regression and Random Forest were developed, optimized, and evaluated. Results showed significant differences in gender, exposure, blood pressure, smoking, etc. between ONIHL and non-ONIHL groups. Male gender, combined exposure, diastolic blood pressure elevation, smoking, fasting blood glucose elevation, and age were positive predictors, while systolic blood pressure elevation was negative. The logistic model had the highest predictive ability (ROC = 0.714). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant positive correlation in specific subgroups. In summary, combined exposure increased ONIHL risk and affected health. Machine learning effectively predicted ONIHL, but the study had limitations and needed further research.
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issn 2045-2322
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spelling doaj-art-203c8d8a64184872b3ad83d846becbfe2025-08-20T03:41:49ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-03-0115111010.1038/s41598-025-93976-5Applying machine learning algorithms to explore the impact of combined noise and dust on hearing loss in occupationally exposed populationsYong Li0Xin Sun1Yongtao Qu2Shuling Yang3Yueyi Zhai4Yan Qu5Department of Otolaryngology, Hebei Medical UniversityHebei North UniversityDepartment of Otolaryngology, Hebei General HospitalAnimal Laboratory, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityAnimal Laboratory, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityDepartment of Otolaryngology, Hebei Medical UniversityAbstract This study aimed to explore the combined impacts of occupational noise and dust on hearing and extra-auditory functions and identify associated risk factors via machine learning techniques. Data from 14,145 workers (627 with occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL)) at Hebei Medical Examination Center (2017–2023) were analyzed. Workers with combined exposure and without specific contraindications or other hearing impairment causes were included. Demographic and clinical data were gathered. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests examined variables, and multivariate logistic regression determined ONIHL risk factors. Machine learning algorithms like Logistic Regression and Random Forest were developed, optimized, and evaluated. Results showed significant differences in gender, exposure, blood pressure, smoking, etc. between ONIHL and non-ONIHL groups. Male gender, combined exposure, diastolic blood pressure elevation, smoking, fasting blood glucose elevation, and age were positive predictors, while systolic blood pressure elevation was negative. The logistic model had the highest predictive ability (ROC = 0.714). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant positive correlation in specific subgroups. In summary, combined exposure increased ONIHL risk and affected health. Machine learning effectively predicted ONIHL, but the study had limitations and needed further research.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93976-5Occupational exposureNoise and dustHearing lossMachine learning algorithmsRisk factors
spellingShingle Yong Li
Xin Sun
Yongtao Qu
Shuling Yang
Yueyi Zhai
Yan Qu
Applying machine learning algorithms to explore the impact of combined noise and dust on hearing loss in occupationally exposed populations
Scientific Reports
Occupational exposure
Noise and dust
Hearing loss
Machine learning algorithms
Risk factors
title Applying machine learning algorithms to explore the impact of combined noise and dust on hearing loss in occupationally exposed populations
title_full Applying machine learning algorithms to explore the impact of combined noise and dust on hearing loss in occupationally exposed populations
title_fullStr Applying machine learning algorithms to explore the impact of combined noise and dust on hearing loss in occupationally exposed populations
title_full_unstemmed Applying machine learning algorithms to explore the impact of combined noise and dust on hearing loss in occupationally exposed populations
title_short Applying machine learning algorithms to explore the impact of combined noise and dust on hearing loss in occupationally exposed populations
title_sort applying machine learning algorithms to explore the impact of combined noise and dust on hearing loss in occupationally exposed populations
topic Occupational exposure
Noise and dust
Hearing loss
Machine learning algorithms
Risk factors
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93976-5
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