Prevalence of Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Industrial Workers

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational noise induced hearing loss causes sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in industrial workers who are continuously exposed to high frequency noise due to degeneration in hair cells and associated nerve fibers. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 100 industrial male workers, including officials, machinery operators, and helpers. ENT and audiometry examination were done and noise level was measured. The age, noise level, duration of exposure, type of activity, and measurement of hearing loss were co-related. Results: The workers who worked in machinery area were affected more when compared to official and helpers. The age group 36-40 was affected more when compared to other age groups. Conclusions: Chronic exposure to noise is common hazard in industrial workers that affect bilateral cochlea and causes high frequency SNHL with 4 kHz notch. We observed 39% industrial workers who were exposed to noise level >87.3 dBA, for 8-12 h/day in textile and hard strip rolling mills in spite of noise free machine are recommended suffered from SNHL.