Hearing loss and its associated factors among metal workshop workers at Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

IntroductionNoise-induced hearing loss is a permanent sensorineural deficiency, which is caused by exposure to excessive noise sound. Although noise-induced hearing loss due to industrialization is a main public health problem in Ethiopia, studies on the prevalence and associated factors of hearing loss are scarce.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hearing loss among workers at a metal workshop in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was employed among 300 participants using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted. In the multivariable logistic regression model, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p < 0.05 were computed to determine the level of significance.ResultsThe prevalence of hearing loss among metal workshop workers was 30.7% [95% CI: (25.7, 35.7)]. Age between 30 and 44 years [AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 7.1], age between 45 and 65 years [AOR = 3.8; 95% CI (1.5, 9.5)], cigarette smoking [AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 4.5], working area noise level >85 dB [AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 6.5], working experience of 6–10 years [AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4, 6.0], working experience >10 years [AOR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.3], and using ear protection devices [AOR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.6] were significantly associated with hearing loss.ConclusionThe prevalence of hearing loss was considerably high. This study revealed that advanced age, cigarette smoking, increased working area noise level, and working experiences were found to increase the odds of having hearing loss. Therefore, it is important to emphasize metal workshop workers that are at high risk of hearing loss and develop preventive strategies to reduce the burden of this problem. Besides, minimizing working area noise levels, proper utilization of ear protection devices, and creating awareness about the impact of hearing loss are recommended.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Sensorineural Hearing Impairment Among Patients with T2DM in Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022: A Multi-Centered Cross-Sectional Study

“…Sensorineural hearing impairment: Was an average hearing threshold above 25 decibels at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 kHz. 1 , 2 …”

“…Sensorineural hearing impairment (SNHI) is a disability in which an individual is unable to hear sounds in one or both ears within 25 dB. 1 , 2 In recent times, SNHI resulting from prolonged exposure to diabetes mellitus has emerged as a significant global public health issue. 2 Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to a gradual, bilateral, and permanent SNHI.…”

“… 1 , 2 In recent times, SNHI resulting from prolonged exposure to diabetes mellitus has emerged as a significant global public health issue. 2 Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to a gradual, bilateral, and permanent SNHI. 3 Previous research has verified that prolonged exposure to elevated glucose levels can result in SNHI.…”

Occupational Noise-Induced Pre-Hypertension and Determinant Factors Among Metal Manufacturing Workers in Gondar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia

“…3 Metal workers are usually exposed to noise emanating from the manipulation of metals. Chronic exposure to this type of occupation is a risk factor for health abnormalities including hearing impairment 4–6 and cardiovascular diseases like noise-induced hypertension. 7–9 In the globe, there are numerous studies that demonstrate the association between occupational noise exposure and the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.…”

Effects of acute exposure to Al2O3-NPs (α and γ) and white noise and their combination on Cochlea structure and function in Wistar Rat

“…The cochlea is strongly affected by high-frequency noise, leading to the death of hair cells, molecular changes, changes in gene expression patterns, or hearing impairment in humans (Han et al 2015). Noise pollution causes a temporary threshold shift (TTS( at high noise pressure levels (Korte &Grant 1980) and a permanent threshold shift (PTS) in long exposure (Ahmed et al 2022, Melese et al 2022, Zahra et al 2022. Acute exposure to high-intensity noise causes permanent damage to the organ of Corti at the cellular level (Gratton et al 2011).…”