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

Investigation of Noise Induced Hearing Loss Among Power Loom Industry Workers in Tamil Nadu, India

Noise-induced hearing loss remains a prevalent occupational concern across various industries. This study aimed to address several key objectives regarding noise exposure and hearing impairment among power loom workers in Tamil Nadu, India. The major objectives were to assess the levels of noise exposure in the power loom industry and to determine the prevalence of hearing loss among the workers. The minor objectives included identifying the specific factors associated with hearing loss and proposing measures to mitigate noise exposure. A cross-sectional study was carried out at a Power Loom Industry in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu between September and November 2023. A total of 123 workers from weaving sections were randomly selected to participate in face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Noise exposure levels were measured using a noise meter, while hearing loss was assessed using a pure tone audiometer. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with hearing loss. Among the workers, 88.5% were exposed to noise levels of ≥ 95 dB (A), and the prevalence of hearing loss was 71.6%. Factors positively associated with hearing loss included age between 31-50 years and over 50 years, lack of literacy, experiencing hearing difficulties or earaches, hypertension, and more than 15 years of service in the power loom industry. To mitigate noise exposure levels, there is a need for enhanced occupational hazard education and stricter enforcement of safety regulations. Regular audiometry tests should be implemented to monitor hearing threshold shifts. Employers should establish and enforce hearing conservation programs in workplaces where noise exposure exceeds or reaches 95 dB (A).

Risk detection and assessment in small-scale metalworking industries of southwest Ethiopia

Background

Workplace accidents present a significant challenge in the number of risks, working environment, and the number of workers exposed to them. These risk factors require systematic management, assessment, and control. Therefore, the present study aims to assess risk detection and assessment in small-scale metalwork industries in Jimma City, southwest Ethiopia."

Methods

Data collection from two hundred employers and managers was conducted using a cross-sectional study design, incorporating a worksheet, observation, risk-detecting checklists, and technical documents. Finally, the percentage, frequency, and chi-square tests were utilized to analyze the risk factors identified in small-scale metalworking industries, and independent variables that showed a significant correlation with each dependent variable at p < 0.05 were selected for further analysis.

Results

The findings showed, 1460 risks at a workshop, out of which 6.85 % were first rank, 2.74 % second rank, 73.97 % third rank, and 16.44 % were fourth rank. The most hazardous units were metal part assembly, handling, cutting, and electrical welding. Moreover, factors like heat, electric shock from the machine, noise, and vibration have an association with the occurrence of physical risk factors among the participants. Furthermore, excessive force, lifting and carrying heavy weight by hand, uncomfortable hand tools, and repetitive activity were associated with the incidence of moderate ergonomic risk factors. In addition, exposure to spraying mists, and explosion of gases and liquids under pressurized chemicals causes moderate incidence among participants. Finally, lack of experience and skills, poor work relations with colleagues and supervisors, lack of concentration, work overcapacity, and lack of training were causes of psychosocial risk factors among the participants.

Conclusions

The findings reveal a multitude of risks across various ranks, with factors such as lack of knowledge, negligence of safety measures, and stress emerging as significant contributors. Addressing these issues through comprehensive safety protocols and training initiatives is paramount to ensuring the well-being of workers and the effective management of workplace risks.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among Palm Oil Mill Workers in Selangor, Malaysia

Introduction Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) continues to be a significant public health issue globally, with Malaysia being no exception. In Malaysia, the majority of NIHL cases are reported from the manufacturing sector, with Selangor among the states with the highest number of confirmed cases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with occupational NIHL among palm oil mill workers in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the data from the data collection form, noise risk assessment reports, and audiometric test results done between 2021 and 2022 with a comparable baseline audiometric test. Results A total of 143 participants from three palm oil mills joined this study. The prevalence of NIHL was 42.7% (n = 61). Following the logistic regression model, NIHL was significantly associated with a duration of employment of 10 years and above, a history of occupational noise exposure at the previous workplace, and the use of personal hearing protectors at the current workplace with an adjusted OR of 2.41 (95% CI (1.14, 5.07)), 5.89 (95% CI (2.38, 14.53)), and 0.36 (95% CI (0.16, 0.83)), respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of NIHL among the study participants was high, and the associated factors are modifiable factors that can be prevented with a comprehensive hearing conservation program in the palm oil mills.

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

Background

Generally, people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in various countries experience a significant rate of sensorineural hearing impairment. Nonetheless, there is scant evidence of sensorineural hearing impairment among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Northwest Ethiopian. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence rate and contributing factors of sensorineural hearing impairment in type 2 diabetics at comprehensive and specialized referral hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study design was carried out from May 3, 2022, to June 14, 2022, on 846 study participants in Ethiopia, with a response rate of 99.65%. The research subjects were chosen by simple random sampling techniques. Data was gathered by using audiometric measurements and structured interview-administered questionnaires and then entered into EPI data version 4.6. Finally, it was exported to STATA 14 for analysis. Binary logistic regression, chi-square test, and odds ratio were done to verify the assumptions and degree of association. Ultimately, factors exhibiting a p-value < 0.05 with a 95% CI were regarded as significant predictors of hearing impairment.

Results

The magnitude of sensorineural hearing impairment in this investigation was 50.49% (95% CI: 45.67%, 55.26%). Factors significantly associated with sensorineural hearing impairment were age (AOR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.14), hyperlipidemia (AOR=2.86, 95% CI: 1.05, 7.82), duration of diabetes (AOR=2.26, 95% CI: 1.26, 4.06), hypertension (AOR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.02, 3.69) and regular physical exercise (AOR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.68).

Conclusions and Recommendations

In this study, relatively high rates of sensorineural hearing impairment were observed. Stakeholders should establish routine hearing screening, and participants will advise to incorporate regular physical exercise into their routines.

A Comprehensive Review of Auditory and Non-Auditory Effects of Noise on Human Health

OBJECTIVE

Excessive noise is unpleasant and induces several physiological and psychological effects. Noise pollution is a potential threat to humans, particularly those continuously exposed for extended periods throughout the day over many years. This review aims to examine the various auditory and non-auditory outcomes associated with prolonged exposure to noise pollution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The review utilized a combination of relevant keywords to search the electronic databases. After screening based on the applied selection criteria for title, abstract, and full text, 44 articles were finally selected for critical review.

RESULTS

We identified and analyzed research findings related to noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep disturbances along with non-auditory issues such as annoyance, cognitive impairments, and mental stress associated with cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, the existing studies were compared and collated to highlight the unique challenges and significance of noise pollution as a distinctive environmental concern and to explore the ongoing efforts in its research and prevention, including the early detection and potential reversal of noise-induced hearing loss.

CONCLUSION

The fundamental health consequences of noise pollution underscore the need for extensive research encompassing emerging noise sources and technologies to establish a health management system tailored to address noise-related health concerns and reduce noise exposure risk among populations. Finally, further research is warranted to ensure improved measurement of noise exposure and related health outcomes, especially in the context of occupational noise.

Impacts of Different Noise Environments on Polysomnographic Monitoring Parameters and Sleep Quality Among Hospitalized Patients

BACKGROUND

Excessive noise levels may decrease patients' sleep quality and increase the risk of sleep disorders in patients. Given that only a few studies have been conducted on noise levels and sleep quality in hospitalized patients, this study investigated the effects of different noise environments on polysomnographic parameters and sleep in hospitalized patients. It also analyzed the factors associated with patients' sleep quality.

METHODS

A sample of 244 cases of hospitalized patients were retrospectively selected from March 2020 to March 2023. A total of 122 patients without ward noise reduction treatment were set as the control group. A total of 122 patients who were treated with ward noise reduction were set as the observation group. The polysomnographic monitoring parameters and sleep conditions levels were compared between the two groups, after which logistic regression was used to analyze the relevant factors that affected patients' sleep.

RESULTS

The incidence of noise level, rapid eye movement stage (R) phase proportion, nonrapid eye movement stage 1 (N1) phase proportion, and poorer sleep quality all had higher levels in the control group than in the observation group. In comparison, nonrapid eye movement stage 2 (N2) phase proportion, total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency (SE) were all lower than those in the observation group (P < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that the need for surgery, having diabetes mellitus, higher noise level and low N2 percentage levels were all associated factors affecting the sleep quality of patients.

CONCLUSION

Environments with higher levels of noise can lead to patients' poorer sleep quality. Thus, it is necessary to actively implement noise management measures to avoid higher noise levels and maintain good sleep quality among patients.

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

Introduction

Cardiovascular disorders are one of the commonly recognized occupational diseases in the developed world. Individuals chronically exposed to noise at workplaces had a higher risk of developing elevated arterial blood pressure. There are limited studies in Ethiopia regarding this topic and thus this study determined the prevalence and determinant factors of occupational noise-induced pre-hypertension among metal manufacturing workers in Gondar city administration, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was carried out. In this study, 300 study participants were recruited by census sampling method. A sound level meter was used to measure the working area noise level. A semi-structured pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. Blood pressure was measured in a quiet room in the morning using a mercurial sphygmomanometer. Both bivariable and multi-variable binary logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with noise-induced prehypertension. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was reported, and variables with p < 0.05 were considered as statistically associated factors with pre-hypertension.

Results

The prevalence of noise-induced pre-hypertension was 27.7% (95% CI: 22.7-32.7). In multivariable logistic regression, working area noise level (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 6.8-8.9), 45-65 years' age (AOR = 9.8, 95% CI: 5.4-12.9), years of work experience ((6-10 years (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.98-5.90 and >10 years (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI: 7.8-9.75)), being a cigarette smoker (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.36-9.77), and alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.06-1.04) were significantly associated with noise-induced prehypertension.

Conclusion

Workers in metal manufactures who were exposed to noise levels >85 dB developed elevated blood pressure. The odds of having prehypertension were increased by years of work experience, advanced age, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Our findings recommended that the real-world preventive strategies should be taken to lower the risk of noise-induced pre-hypertension hastened by occupational noise exposure.