Assessment of temporary hearing loss, associated factors and measuring noise levels among workers in ayka Addis textile factory (Textile Factory Q) in Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2019.
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Date
2019-10
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Introduction:-Development of modern automated machines in industries has considerably
decreased the physical burden of workers in addition to increasing the productivity of the
industries resulting in noise pollution. Noise exposure above the limit value of 90 dB (A) is
known to cause temporary hearing loss among exposed workers.
Objective: - To assess temporary hearing loss, associated factors and measuring noise levels
among workers in textile factory Q.
Methods and materials: - A cross-sectional study design was employed from January 15 to
April 30, 2019. The data collection methods were observational checklist, self-administered
questionnaire and aerial and personal noise level measurements. Department heads and
environmental health proffesionals was participated for data collection. A total of 406 using
computerized simple random sampling and 27 individuals using Homogenous Exposure Groups
were included respectively for the self-adminstered questionnaire and personal noise exposure
measurements. Data was entered using Epi-data version 4.2 and analyzed using SPSS version
21. Also 95% confidence interval was calculated for the independent variables and P value <0.05
had included to show the significance of the association.
Results: - The questionnaire was completed by 388 (95.6% response rate) production section
workers, of which 254 (65.5%) were females and 134 (34.5%) were males. About One hundred
ninty (49.0%, COR=1.53; 95% CI= [1.15-2.03]) workers reported that they have at least one
temporary hearing loss problems during working time in the textile factory. None of the
participants reported the use of hearing protective devices and maximum LAeq,
noise levels
were recoeded in spinning II, 89.1+5.9 dBA and knitting, 89+4.3dBA. There was significant
association between working departments and temporary hearing loss of workers.
Conclusion: - The presented study demonstrated that work force in the spinning and knitting
departments of the textile factory had high prevalence of temporary hearing loss.
Recommendations: - The textile factory should implement control measures such as
engineering and administrative (rotation of workers) controls with providing hearing protective
devices to reduce the noise exposure among workers.
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Keywords
Hearing loss