Disabling Hearing Loss In Two Industries In Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of disabling hearing loss (> 40 dBA) inn two industries in Nigeria

Methods: Cross – sectional survey conducted in a textile and a booting industry in Lagos, Nigeria amongst 217 noise – exposed and 155 non –noise exposed subjects. Data collection included use of a questionnaire, ontological examination, audiometric and noise level measurements.

Result: The prevalence of disabling hearing loss was significantly higher in exposed subjects (17 %) compared with non- noise exposed subjects (7%, P = 0.008), while the attributable fraction was 58%. In the textile industry , hearing loss was significantly higher amongst exposed subjects (36%) compared with non- noise exposed group ( 11% p = 0.0001 ) but the prevalence was similar amongst the group in the bottling industry ( p > 0.05 ) Furthermore , a significantly proportion of all subjects in the textile company ( 23%) had hearing loss compared with the bottling industry (2 % p = 0.0000) . Hearing loss was significantly associated with age older than 35 years (p= 0.009) and duration of employment greater than 5 years ( p = 0.02 ).

Conclusion: Disabling hearing loss was significantly higher in the noise – exposed subjects and indicates the need for a hearing conservation programme amongst these workers.

Key Words: Disabling hearing loss, noise, audiometry, industry.

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.7(1) 2004: 4-7