The prevalence and risk factors related to noise induced hearing loss among industrial workers in Prachuap Khiri Khan province

Abstract

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the second-most common sensorineural hearing loss, and that can be prevented. Although NIHL does not result in death, it can cause disability and need for hearing aids. In Prachuap Khiri Khan province, several food processing industries generate excessive noise and require hearing screening for industrial workers.

Objectives: To study the prevalence and risk factors associated with NIHL, including gender, age, smoking, alcohol intake, underlying diseases, regular medications, ear symptoms, past medical history, year(s) of working experience, time exposed to loud noise per day, behavior of using noise protective devices while working and knowledge of NIHL.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 346 workers from 3 factories in Prachuap Khiri Khan province who were exposed to noise exceeding 85 decibels. All workers were subjected to audiometric testing and completed questionnaires on general information and knowledge of hearing loss. Data were collected from September 2022 to October 2022 and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (the chi-square test) at a significance level of 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of NIHL was 8.4%, which could be divided into subgroups of early NIHL (4.9%) and NIHL (3.5%). The risk factors related to NIHL with statistical significance included past medical history, ear symptoms, time exposure to loud noise per day, regular medications, behavior of using noise protective devices and knowledge of hearing loss. Meanwhile, other factors such as gender, age, underlying disease, smoking, alcohol intake and year(s) of working experience were not correlated with NIHL.

Conclusion: The surveillance of NIHL in employees exposed to loud noise exceeds the standard through annual hearing screening, which will help identify employees with NIHL or early NIHL. These employees should be educated on NIHL and provided with adequate hearing protection equipment.