Risk of noise-induced sensory hearing loss among wood factory workers, Thailand

Abstract

Objectives Noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented. A cross-sectional study aimed to a) assess sound pressure level (SPL) and average SPL for an 8-h period at working sites; and b) examine frequency of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) from audiometric screening and factors affecting NIHL of workers. Methods The samples recruited by purposive sampling comprised a) 18 factory departments, and b) 303 workers being removed from loudness for at least 8 h and voluntary willing to participate in this study. The research instruments included a) a sound level meter (Larson David 800 B), b) an audiometer (Fornix FA 12) and the quietest offi ce room, and c) a questionnaire and recording forms. The χ 2 test, relative prevalence (RP), and 95% CI were employed to analyse data. Results The fi ndings showed the maximum SPL of 110 dB(A) and average SPL for an 8-h period of 91.9 dB(A) in the department of raw material preparation. Prevalence of NIHL was 52.1%. The sample used hearing protection devices of 23.1%. Factors signifi cantly associated with NIHL at p≤0.05 were aged ≥35 years (RP 1.80; CI 1.50 to 2.17), working year ≥5 years (RP

Prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among woodworkers in Nepal: a pilot study

“…28 Wittayapun and Tanasirirug report a NIHL prevalence of 52.1% among 303 wood factory workers in Thailand, with an average sound pressure level of 91.9 dBA. 29 Applying these results to Nepal should be undertaken with caution for a number of reasons. various definitions for NIHL exist in the literature, and methods to determine an individual's hearing status or noise exposure frequently differ.…”