The physical and psychological effects of occupational noise among seafarers: a systematic review

Int J Environ Health Res. 2024 Jul;34(7):2674-2686. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2266703. Epub 2023 Oct 11.

Abstract

The aims were to highlight noise levels on board and the health effects of noise on seafarers. Data was collected from multiple databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ebsco Host. Initially, the search resulted in a total of 197 articles, 16 were chosen. Several ships were found which most sailors had noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) (n = 6). The engine room has been defined as having the highest level of noise. In addition, noise exposure was associated with hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep disturbances, communication difficulties, poor concentration, dizziness, depression, anxiety, headache, fatigue, and stress. Noise exposure is not the only factor that causes health problems: the duration of exposure while working, years of career as a maritime worker, age, lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol consumption), and even hobbies related to loud sound (such as concert/disco attendance, listen to loud music, etc.) were associated with the adverse health effects experienced by seafarers.

Keywords: Health effects; noise exposure; sailors.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / epidemiology
  • Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / etiology
  • Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / psychology
  • Humans
  • Noise, Occupational* / adverse effects
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology
  • Occupational Diseases / psychology
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Ships*
  • Tinnitus / epidemiology
  • Tinnitus / etiology
  • Tinnitus / psychology