Effects of noise-induced hearing loss within Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss within Port Harcourt Metropolis using a micro-controlled diagnostic audiometer (Kamplex KLD21).The data was obtained at two specific locations namely: Rivers State University of Science and Technology and Port Harcourt International Airport. The measurements showed that the highest noise intensity level at Rivers State University of Science and Technology is 120dB with noise- induced hearing loss of 35dB (air and bone conduction) at audiometric frequency of 4000Hz, while the airport has the highest noise intensity level of 107dB (air conduction audiometry) and 75dBA (bone conduction audiometry) at 4000Hz. The normal recommended hearing level is 5dBA at 4000Hz.These data confirm that many of the subjects tested at the two locations are affected by Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)