[The effect of occupational exposure to noise among tractor drivers: assessment based on 'noise threshold'].

The effects of occupational exposure to noise was analysed among operators of agricultural tractors (n = 172). The assessment was based on a parameter called 'noise immission level' (dose connected with the period of employment). The study showed that the correlation between hearing loss and noise immission dose was stronger than that between hearing loss and the period of employment. Equations of simple regression presented in this paper allow us to make a prognosis concerning the risk of occupational deafness and to develop the system of the prevention interventions. The results obtained indicated that the parameter of hygiene evaluation of exposure to noise, called 'noise immission level' should be used more frequently for the noise measurement, especially in the prevention of occupational diseases.