Abstract
To assess the level of noise generated by music shops in an urban city in Nigeria. Cross-sectional, descriptive study. The study involved music shops in three out of eight identified clusters of market areas in Benin City. A semi-structured, researcher-administered questionnaire was also used to collect data from music shop owners. Noise levels generated by speakers in the music shops were measured using a sound level meter, and blood pressure measurements were taken with a mercury sphygmomanometer. Of the 250 music shops studied, more than 90.0% generated noise levels >85dB, and 54.8% had a continuous pattern of noise. Longer duration of working years was significantly associated with decreased hearing (P=0.01), shouting when talking (P=0.04) and high blood pressure (P=0.003). The position of music dealers in relation to the speakers was significantly associated with shouting when talking (P=0.000). A significant association was found between higher levels of noise and high blood pressure (P=0.004). This study found very high levels of noise in music shops, which could be a source of occupational noise exposure among music dealers. Enlightenment campaigns on the hazards of exposure to loud noise and periodic audiometry examinations are recommended for this occupational group.
Published Version
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