Abstract:
Abstract
Background: Occupational noise-induced hearing loss is referred to hearing loss
caused by work-related noise exposure and it is estimated that worldwide, 16–24%
of hearing impairment is work-related. Occupational noise exposure and related
hearing impairment is a major public health problem among metal and woodwork
workers in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. However, there is limited evidence
about the risk of hearing impairments and level of noise exposure in Ethiopia.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of self reported hearing impairments and
risk factors among metal and woodwork workers in Gondar town, Ethiopia, 2020.
Methods: Through cross sectional study design a total of 580 metal and woodwork
industry workers were selected from 626 surveyed eligible workers in Gondar town
from February10-March 25/2020.The data was collected using structured questioner
using interviewer administered technique and workplace noise exposure level at
different work location was measured using ICE 651 type II sound pressure level
meter. The data were entered using EPI info version 7 software and analyzed using
spss20 version software. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses
were performed to identify factors associated with hearing impairments.
Result: Over all prevalence of self reported hearing impairments among wood and
metal work was 20.7 % [95%CI: (17.4-24)]. From the total participants, 11.2% of
woodwork and 9.5% of metal work industry workers reported hearing impairments.
The mean (±SD) noise exposure level among wood and metal work industries was
96.63 ± 3.7 dBA and the minimum and maximum noise exposure level were 73.5
dBA and 106.9 dBA respectively. Listening music using earphone more than two
hours per day [AOR = 4.33, 95% CI (1.33, 14.11)] and playing music with loud
volume (AOR=3.74(1.13, 12.43) were identified risk factor for hearing impairments.
Conclusion: prevalence of hearing impairment is comparable in metal and wood
work industry worker, but higher noise exposure level is recorded in wood work
industry and majority of the employees exposed to noise level above permissible
exposure limit. Listening music using earphone for more than two hours per day and
playing music with loud volume were significantly associated with hearing
impairments. Therefore, hearing conservation program shall be implemented in
wood and metal work industry
