MJM, Vol 70 Supplement 1 September 2015
Noise induced hearing loss: Is it a problem among
Inspectorates workers? A review from Raub Occupational Health Clinic, Nov
2014-Mac 2015
Raub District Health Office, Pahang
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hearing loss is a major cause of disability in the world. Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a form of hearing loss caused by sustained and repeated exposure to excessive sound levels. Inspectorate workers were exposed to loud noise by dealing with thermal-fog and grass cutting activities. The objective of the study is to identify the prevalence and risk factors contributing to NIHL among inspectorates’ workers in Raub District Health Office
Method: A cross-sectional study has been carried out. The respondents from the Vector and Bakas unit were assess using secondary data from Occupational Health Clinic patient’s folders. The putative risk factors were assessed by history, physical examinations, blood investigations and audiometric test stated in the patient’s folders. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 for descriptive and univariate statistics.
Results: A total of 69 respondents recruited for this study. Vector Unit represent 59.4% of total respondents as compared to 40.6% from Bakas Unit. Male (89.9%) and Malay (88.4) were predominant. The mean age (SD) was 38.62 (10.36), where else BMI (SD) 26.52 (4.54). Almost seventy per cent were smokers and only six per cent alcoholic. The duration of hazard exposure (SD) was 11.52 (7.88) years. Sixty eight per cent claimed using PPE at all time during exposure. The prevalence of NIHL was 29.0%. Exposure to loud noise at workplace (p-value = 0.018, 95%CI: 1.21, 11.24), history of diabetes mellitus (p-value = 0.023, 95%CI: 1.25, 115.36) and hypertension (p-value = 0.009, 95%CI: 1.38, 44.62) were significant findings.
Conclusion: Significant high prevalence of NIHL with Loud noise exposure in workplace, known hypertension and diabetes as factors that contributing to NIHL among inspectorates’ workers in Raub District Health Office. By implementing Noise Conservation Program in Workplace is one of the key point in ‘Tackling Double Burden of The Disease’
Keywords: Inspectorate workers, Noise induced hearing loss, prevalence, risk factors
