Assessment Level of Noise and Hearing Loss among Rice Mill Community Workers in Mahasarakham Province
Keywords:
Community Rice Mill, Hearing Loss, NoiseAbstract
This research aimed to assess noise levels within community rice mills and to evaluate hearing loss among workers in these mills. The sample was 32 workers. Personal data were collected using a questionnaire. Content validity was established with an IOC of 0.96. Noise levels were measured using a sound level meter, and hearing ability was assessed using an audiometer. Data collection was conducted from January to June 2022. Noise levels were measured using a sound level meter, and an audiometer assessed hearing ability. Data collection occurred between January and June 2022. The statistical analysis included Chi-square, Fisher exact probability test, odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
The results showed that the average noise level during working hours in community rice mills ranged from 85.2 to 93.5 decibels A. Hearing loss was observed in 40.6% of participants, with 18.8% experiencing loss at frequencies of 4000-8000 Hz, and 21.8% exhibiting loss in both the 500-3000 Hz and 4000-8000 Hz ranges. Regarding factors affecting hearing loss, age was significantly associated with hearing loss (95% CI = 1.43-123.89), with individuals over 50 years old being 13.33 times more likely to experience hearing loss compared to those under 50. Other factors such as gender, education level, pre-existing medical conditions, smoking habits, daily working hours, weekly working days, and work experience did not show significant associations with hearing loss. The study suggests the need for implementing noise control measures and hearing conservation programs in community rice mills to safeguard workers' hearing health.
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