Noise induced hearing loss among industrial workers of South Punjab, Pakistan.

Abstract

Objectives: Occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is considered an important reason responsible for disability around the world. As industrial workers are frequently exposed to occupational noise, sensorineural hearing loss (SNIHL) is commonly found in this set of population. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) in industrial workers of Multan. Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Period: 16^th April 2018 to 15^th October 2018. Material & Methods: A total of 316 industrial workers of age 25-65 years and both genders were included. Audiometric testing was performed in a sound free room where calibrated digital audiometer ALPS AD 2100 was used. Hearing threshold was obtained for both ears at 250-8 kHz. NIHL was noted. Results: Mean age was 45.56 ± 10.95 years. Most patients, 170 (53.80%) were 25-45 years of age. There were 188 (59.49%) male and 128 (40.51%) female. Mean duration of experience was 11.14 ± 5.86 years. NIHL was found in 95 (30.06%) patients. Conclusion: Frequency of NIHL among industrial workers is high. Factory owners and workers should consider adopting preventive and safety measures to control noise induced hearing loss.