Objectives This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between occupational noise exposure and the prevalence of hyperglycemia among workers.

Method We recruited 532 volunteers in a machinery and equipment manufacturing factory as the study population in Central Taiwan. The walk-through survey was performed to identify the workplaces with noise levels above 80 A-weighted decibel (dBA) first and then the noise dosimeter was used to conduct personal time-weighted-average sound levels. After assigning each subject to a similar exposure group, we classified all subjects into high-exposure (noise levels ≥85 dBA, n = 91), median-exposure (80≤ noise levels <85dBA, n = 62), low-exposure (noise levels <80 dBA, n = 76) and reference groups (officers, n = 303). Logistic regressions were applied to estimate the risk of hyperglycemia by different exposure groups after controlling for potential confounders.

Results The mean noise levels of high-exposure, median-exposure, low-exposure and office workers were 89.5 ± 2.90 dBA, 83.4 ± 0.4 dBA, 76.7 ± 1.1 dBA and 71.4 ± 4.0 dBA, respectively, and there was a significant difference between groups (p < 0.001). The prevalence of hyperglycemia among high-exposure, median-exposure, low-exposure and office workers were 10.2%, 13.2%, 11.3% and 9.9%, respectively. After controlled for age, sex, education level, body mass index, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and regular exercise, the odds ratio of hyperglycemia between the high-exposure and office workers was 3.96 (95% confidence interval = 0.83–18.83), which had a marginal difference (p = 0.08).

Conclusions Occupational noise exposure above 85 dBA might be associated with the increasing prevalence of hyperglycemia. Future studies should be conducted to demonstrate the potential causality of occupational noise and hyperglycemia.