Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss among Dire Dawa Textile Workers

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Date

1995-04

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

Although dangerous noise levels have been previously measured in Ethiopian factories, no studies have documented the importance of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This study was designed to assess the prevalence and risk factors for NIHL i n a Dire Dawa textile mill . After a random start, a systematic sample of 630 workers were selected from among the 5900 factory employees. Data were collected through interviews, otologic examinations, pure tone audiometry and environmental noise surveys to document noise exposures. Noise level s as high as 110 dB(A) were detected, with average of 99. 5±3. 2 dB (A) in the weaving section and 89.0±2.5 dB(A) in the spinning section. Audiometric tests revealed a 34% overall prevalence o f NIHL, with a higher rate (71.7% ) among weavers. NIHL was significantly associated only with level of noise, duration of exposure, and work section. Those who worked for 20 years or more had a nearly ten-fold increased risk of NIHL (OR=9.60, CI=3.40-23.30) Those chronically exposed to noise level of 90 dB(A) or more had a 14-fold increased risk of NIHL (OR=14.4 0 , CI=8.20-25 . 12 ) . Preventive interventions were generally absent, teeth no employees reporting use of personal protective devices (PPDs ) . It is recommended that a hearing conservation on program be promptly implemented .

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Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss

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