Introduction Working in a noisy environment puts employees hearing health at risk. Standard threshold shift (STS) can be used as a screening method to detect early indications of hearing deterioration.

Objective The objective of the study was to investigate health effects related to STS in motor compressor workers.

Methods A cross sectional study of 464 motor compressor workers was conducted including hearing health examination by audiometer, and noise level in the workplace was monitored. Workers who reported having hobbies relating to noise e.g. gun shooting, or a personal history of disease relating to the ear were excluded. The relationship between health effects and workers with STS was studied.

Results There were more men 81.90% (aged range 31–40 years old) than women working for the company. The average continuous noise level in the workplace was 84.14 ± 5.21dB (A). The study showed that working at the factory for more than 14 years (OR = 3.84, 95% CI 1.54 - 9.56) and being exposed to noise at least 8 hours a day (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.02 - 4.40) results in a significant change of STS.

Workers with STS showed significant communication difficulties (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.03 - 3.49) and stress/nausea more than workers without STS, although not statistically significant (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.90 - 2.65).

Conclusions Workers exposed to continuous noise in a motor compressor industry are at risk of STS and adverse effects on health. Duration of exposure to noise is a key factor harm to hearing health. STS could be used as a tool to screen workers who have hearing health problems.