Prevalence and Factors Associated With Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among Palm Oil Mill Workers in Selangor, Malaysia.

Abstract

Introduction Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) continues to be a significant public health issue globally, with Malaysia being no exception. In Malaysia, the majority of NIHL cases are reported from the manufacturing sector, with Selangor among the states with the highest number of confirmed cases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with occupational NIHL among palm oil mill workers in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the data from the data collection form, noise risk assessment reports, and audiometric test results done between 2021 and 2022 with a comparable baseline audiometric test. Results A total of 143 participants from three palm oil mills joined this study. The prevalence of NIHL was 42.7% (n = 61). Following the logistic regression model, NIHL was significantly associated with a duration of employment of 10 years and above, a history of occupational noise exposure at the previous workplace, and the use of personal hearing protectors at the current workplace with an adjusted OR of 2.41 (95% CI (1.14, 5.07)), 5.89 (95% CI (2.38, 14.53)), and 0.36 (95% CI (0.16, 0.83)), respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of NIHL among the study participants was high, and the associated factors are modifiable factors that can be prevented with a comprehensive hearing conservation program in the palm oil mills.