الفهرس 
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Abstract
Noise is an important health issue that affects more than hearing. Scientific research demonstrates that health effects occur at noise levels below those that impair hearing. These effects include increased risk of cardiovascular disease, negative effects on sleep, communication, performance and behavior.
Aim of the study: To detect the possible non-auditory effects of noise on workers employed in Abou-Qurkas sugar factory and to measure the worker awareness about noise. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study carried out in Abou-Qurkas sugar factory from January to December 2011. It was conducted among 69 healthy workers; 43 exposed to noise (more than 80dBA) and 26 not exposed (control). Sound pressure levels in the work place ranged from (55 – 108 dBA). Data were collected by a questionnaire included personal, demographic and occupational data as well as general examination (pulse and blood pressure) and investigation (lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, urinary vanillylmandelic acid and audiogram).
Results: Annoyance, ear pain and heart burn were the most important complaints of the workers (94.0%, 49.1% and 44.2%, respectively). Mid-shift heart rate and blood pressure showed significant increase in comparison with pre-shift levels. There’s moderate significant correlation between duration of occupation and pre-shift pulse and blood pressure (pulse r= 0.508, p= 0.001, systolic r= 0.682, p= 0.001 and diastolic r= 0.605, p= 0.001). As regard lipid profile, there’s insignificant increase in the mean values of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein of exposed group than non-exposed group. After removing the confounding factor (past history of DM), there’s significant increase in the mean value of fasting blood sugar of exposed than non-exposed groups (p= 0.037). There are statistically significance differences (in the same group) pre-shift and mid-shift urinary VMA but differences between exposed and non-exposed groups were statistically insignificant. 92.3% of non-exposed and 88.4% of exposed workers have good awareness, and the differences were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The study concluded that work stress due to noise is a common problem among workers in Abou-Qurkas sugar factory exposed to noise, and therefore efforts should be directed towards reducing its level and keeping it in check. Recommendation: Education program with real pre-employment and periodic medical examination for new and old workers. Continuous evaluation of noise in Abou-Qurkas factory and support workers by ear protector with continuous maintenance and lubrication of the machines.