The Prevalence and Risk Factor of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among Industry Workers

Abstract

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has been gradually noticed for its insidious nature as an occupational hazard concomitant with various adverse personal health and industrial hygiene issues, including tinnitus, temporary threshold shift, hypertension, annoyance, elevated occupational accidents by aprosexia, stress, and poorer production performance. Objective: To assess prevalence and risk factor of noise-induced hearing loss among industry workers. Method: This cross sectional study was carried out at tertiary hospital from January 2021 to 2022, Dhaka. Where 97 workers exposed to noise and administrative controls were enrolled in study as a sample population. A structured questionnaire was developed by the expert-review method and applied to all the subjects with face-to-face interviews. Results: Out of 97 sample, 26 workers were having noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Workers younger than 35 had a 20.59 percent NIHL incidence, while those older than 35 had a 41.38 percent NIHL incidence. The generator area of the plant had the loudest machinery (96-100 dB). As much as 46.67 percent of the generating crew had trouble hearing. Conclusion: We found out that the prevalence of noise induced hearing loss among industry workers. We also found out that workers are overexposed to noise and there is little protection accorded to the workers. It also shows that high noise intensity levels and exposure for long durations leads to hearing loss. Based on the study finding, implementation of hearing conservation programme through development and enforcement of regulations to identify and monitor occupational risk groups, restriction of importation of equipment, which emits dangerous levels of noise, are recommended.