scholarly journals Screening for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among Palm Oil Mill Workers in Peninsular Malaysia: A Comparison across Noise Exposure Levels

Standards ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-42
Author(s):  
Sirri Ammar ◽  
Aziah Daud ◽  
Ahmad Filza Ismail ◽  
Ailin Razali

Background: Palm oil mill workers in Malaysia are exposed to hazardous levels of noise in the workplace, and thus are at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In 2019, Malaysia introduced a new noise regulation, which reduced the level of permissible noise exposure. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of NIHL among palm oil mill workers based on screening data and assess the effects of different noise exposure levels on NIHL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing data from noise risk assessment reports of selected mills and screening audiometric data from workers. NIHL was defined as bilateral high-frequency hearing loss. Results: The overall NIHL prevalence was 50.8%. Noise exposure level and age were significant predictors of NIHL among the workers. The risk of developing NIHL was high even for workers who were not categorized in the high-risk group. Conclusions: In view of the findings, a precautionary approach is needed when evaluating the risk of NIHL in the study population. Vulnerable groups of workers must be protected from occupational noise hazards through the implementation of effective hearing conservation programs in the workplace.

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hardini Tjan ◽  
Fransiska Lintong ◽  
Wenny Supit

Abstract: Noise induced hearing loss is caused by noise loud in the long period and a noisy work environment. Noisy work environment is a major problem in occupational health in various countries. The relationship between excessive noise exposure and hearing loss has been recognised since ancient times. Early epidemiological studies of noise induced hearing loss explored the damage risk relationship between occupational noise exposure level and the degree of hearing loss. The purpose of this study is to determine effect of engine noise electronics to auditory disfunction. The research methodeology used is an analytical method with a cross sectional approach. Samples were of 20 person taken from workers at the playground timezone and amazone. Data were obtained through questionnaires and examination of hearing function with the audiometri. Data were analyzed by using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions program (SPSS) and using the Fisher Exact test. Conclusion: The results showed that : There is a 75% hearing loss in all worker. The results of bivariate analysis showed there is no significant association between the hearing loss with the intensity level of noise (p = 0,032). The most common hearing loss is sensorineural deafness which generally occours in both ear. From the result of this study it can be concluded that the workers who work in a place that has the high intensity noise have greater risk of suffening from hearing loss. Keywords: Timezone and Amazone Workers, Noisy, Hearing.     Abstrak: Gangguan pendengaran akibat bising ialah gangguan pendengaran yang disebabkan akibat terpajan oleh bising yang cukup keras dalam jangka waktu yang cukup lama dan biasanya disebabkan oleh bising di lingkungan kerja. Bising lingkungan kerja merupakan masalah utama pada kesehatan kerja di berbagai negara. Hubungan antara paparan bising yang berlebihan dan kehilangan pendengaran telah dikenal sejak zaman kuno. Awal studi epidemiologi, gangguan pendengaran yang disebabkan oleh bising mengeksplorasi adanya hubungan atau faktor resiko antara pekerjaan, paparan tingkat kebisingan dan derajat gangguan pendengaran. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui efek bising mesin elektronika terhadap gangguan fungsi pendengaran. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu metode analitik dengan menggunakan rancangan cross sectional study. Sampel berjumlah 20 orang yang diambil dari pekerja di tempat bermain timezone dan amazone. Data diperoleh melalui kuisioner dan pemeriksaan fungsi pendengaran dengan menggunakan Audiometri. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan Statistical Program Product and Service Solution (SPSS) dan menggunakan uji Fisher Exact. Simpulan: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa : Terdapat gangguan pendengaran sebesar 75 % pada seluruh pekerja. Hasil analisis bivariat menunjukan ada hubungan yang bermakna antara gangguan pendengaran dengan tingkat intensitas bising (p =  0,032).  Gangguan pendengaran yang paling banyak diderita oleh pekerja adalah tuli sensorineural (persepsi) yang umumnya terjadi pada kedua telinga. Dari hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa pekerja yang bekerja pada intensitas bising yang tinggi memiliki resiko lebih besar menderita gangguan pendengaran. Kata Kunci: Pekerja Timezone & Amazone, Bising, Pendengaran


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qixuan Wang ◽  
Xueling Wang ◽  
Lu Yang ◽  
Kun Han ◽  
Zhiwu Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Significant sex differences exist in hearing physiology, while few human studies have investigated sex differences in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and the sex bias in previous studies resulted in inadequate female data. The study aims to investigate sex differences in the characteristics of NIHL to provide insight into sex-specific risk factors, prevention strategies and treatment for NIHL. Methods This cross-sectional study included 2280 industrial noise-exposed shipyard workers (1140 males and 1140 females matched for age, job and employment length) in China. Individual noise exposure levels were measured to calculate the cumulative noise exposure (CNE), and an audiometric test was performed by an experienced technician in a soundproof booth. Sex differences in and influencing factors of low-frequency (LFHL) and high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) were analyzed using logistic regression models stratified by age and CNE. Results At comparable noise exposure levels and ages, the prevalence of HFHL was significantly higher in males (34.4%) than in females (13.8%), and males had a higher prevalence of HFHL (OR = 4.19, 95% CI 3.18 to 5.52) after adjusting for age, CNE, and other covariates. Sex differences were constant and highly remarkable among subjects aged 30 to 40 years and those with a CNE of 80 to 95 dB(A). Alcohol consumption might be a risk factor for HFHL in females (OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.10 to 8.89). Conclusions This study indicates significant sex differences in NIHL. Males are at higher risk of HFHL than females despite equivalent noise exposure and age. The risk factors for NIHL might be different in males and females.


2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 790-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taiana Pacheco Falcão ◽  
Ronir Raggio Luiz ◽  
Gabriel Eduardo Schütz ◽  
Márcia Gomide da Silva Mello ◽  
Volney de Magalhães Câmara

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the audiometric profile of civilian pilots according to the noise exposure level. METHODS This observational cross-sectional study evaluated 3,130 male civilian pilots aged between 17 and 59 years. These pilots were subjected to audiometric examinations for obtaining or revalidating the functional capacity certificate in 2011. The degree of hearing loss was classified as normal, suspected noise-induced hearing loss, and no suspected hearing loss with other associated complications. Pure-tone air-conduction audiometry was performed using supra-aural headphones and acoustic stimulus of the pure-tone type, containing tone thresholds of frequencies between 250 Hz and 6,000 Hz. The independent variables were professional categories, length of service, hours of flight, and right or left ear. The dependent variable was pilots with suspected noise-induced hearing loss. The noise exposure level was considered low/medium or high, and the latter involved periods > 5,000 flight hours and > 10 years of flight service. RESULTS A total of 29.3% pilots had suspected noise-induced hearing loss, which was bilateral in 12.8% and predominant in the left ear (23.7%). The number of pilots with suspected hearing loss increased as the noise exposure level increased. CONCLUSIONS Hearing loss in civilian pilots may be associated with noise exposure during the period of service and hours of flight.


Author(s):  
Feifan Chen ◽  
Zuwei Cao ◽  
Emad M. Grais ◽  
Fei Zhao

Abstract Purpose Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a global issue that impacts people’s life and health. The current review aims to clarify the contributions and limitations of applying machine learning (ML) to predict NIHL by analyzing the performance of different ML techniques and the procedure of model construction. Methods The authors searched PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus on November 26, 2020. Results Eight studies were recruited in the current review following defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sample size in the selected studies ranged between 150 and 10,567. The most popular models were artificial neural networks (n = 4), random forests (n = 3) and support vector machines (n = 3). Features mostly correlated with NIHL and used in the models were: age (n = 6), duration of noise exposure (n = 5) and noise exposure level (n = 4). Five included studies used either split-sample validation (n = 3) or ten-fold cross-validation (n = 2). Assessment of accuracy ranged in value from 75.3% to 99% with a low prediction error/root-mean-square error in 3 studies. Only 2 studies measured discrimination risk using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and/or the area under ROC curve. Conclusion In spite of high accuracy and low prediction error of machine learning models, some improvement can be expected from larger sample sizes, multiple algorithm use, completed reports of model construction and the sufficient evaluation of calibration and discrimination risk.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24
Author(s):  
MR Alam ◽  
MA Wahab ◽  
MM Rahman ◽  
AKM Asaduzzaman ◽  
MAS Al-Azad ◽  
...  

Introduction: Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is an occupational health hazard linked with noise exposure of more than 85 dB. Aircraft noise and other occupational noise exposure cause military aviators more susceptible to NIHL than commercial jet pilots. Aim: To find out the prevalence of noise induced hearing loss among different military aircrew population with special emphasis on identifying the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on Kuwait Air force pilots those who came for annual medical checkup from July 2010 to July 2012. Audiometry of all subjects was done by ENT specialist and necessary data were collected by structured questionnaires. All data were analyzed by SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 17.0 Results: Out of 221 aircrew 32 (14.48%) developed NIHL. Hearing loss was mild to moderate and predominately at high frequencies. Most affected group was helicopter pilots. Pilots of more than 40 years of age and those who had more than 1000 flying hours had mean hearing threshold more than other groups. The right ear was affected in majority of cases than left ear. Conclusion: Noise exposure to aircrew is inevitable so hearing loss prevention strategies might play a pivotal role to save aircrew hearing. Active surveillance of hearing protection practices might have beneficiary effect. Steps can be taken for early detection of NIHL and hearing conservation program. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i1.18721 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(1) 2013: 19-24


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Long Miao ◽  
Boshen Wang ◽  
Juan Zhang ◽  
Lihong Yin ◽  
Yuepu Pu

Abstract This study aimed to explore the association of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the AKT2 gene and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) susceptibility and explore the potential mechanism underlying NIHL. Three SNPs (rs2304186, rs41275750 and rs76524493) were genotyped in a Chinese population which consists of 690 NIHL patients and 650 normal hearing controls. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to predict the potential miRNA-binding site of SNPs. Cell transfection and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to investigate the potential molecular mechanism of SNPs involved in NIHL. The results revealed rs2304186 GT genotype (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.09–1.83) and TT genotype (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.08–2.10) imparted increased risk of NIHL, and the increased risk could also be found in a dominant model (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.12–1.84). The stratification analysis showed that rs2304186 GT/TT conferred a higher risk for NIHL, especially in subgroups of male, age (35–45 and > 45 years), noise exposure time (> 16 years), and noise exposure level (≤ 85 and ≥ 92 dB), compared with GG genotype. In addition, the haplotype TCCTACT (rs2304186-rs41275750-rs76524493) was associated with NIHL risk (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.02–1.40). Rs2304186 G allele combined with hsa-miR-625-5p mimics could significantly decrease the luciferase activity compared with T allele, indicating rs2304186 altered the binding affinity of hsa-miR-625-5p to SNP rs2304186 mutation region, thus directly targeting AKT2. In conclusion, our study provides evidence for the first time that SNP rs2304186 of AKT2 3′UTR affects NIHL susceptibility by affecting the binding affinity of has-miR-625-5p in an allele-specific manner and it may act as a potential biomarker of NIHL susceptibility.


Scientifica ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel N. Zakpala ◽  
Frederick Ato Armah ◽  
Brigid M. Sackey ◽  
Opoku Pabi

Although accumulating evidence over the past thirty years indicates that noise is an environmental stressor in residential settings, much of the data emanated from studies in high-intensity, noise impact zones around airports or major roads. Little is known about religious noise, especially at night, which is increasingly a growing concern for both the general public and policy-makers in sub-Saharan Africa. Using geographical information systems (GIS), this study measured and mapped exposure to religious noise in a rapidly urbanising municipality in Ghana. Quantitative noise risk assessment was used to evaluate the risk of religious noise-induced hearing loss to residents in the exposed neighbourhoods. The results show that all neighbourhoods where churches were situated had at least one location with significant risk of noise-induced hearing loss. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between neighbourhoods where religious noise exposure was the highest and where noise annoyance was the highest. The magnitude of the noise values for night-time exposure is remarkable particularly given that excessive night-time noise exposure has the greatest detrimental effect on public health. There is the need to focus on vulnerable groups, sensitive hours of the night, and possible confounding with air pollution in order to wholly address this potential hazard.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Riscky B. Lauw

Abstract: Hearing loss due to noise (Noise Induced Hearing Loss - NIHL) is hearing impairment, either part or all, loss, irreversible, occur in one or both ears, can be mild, moderate or severe, occurs because of exposure to the constant noise from the environment. The musician is one of the communities that are susceptible to noise induced hearing loss. Musicians had considerable exposure to noise. Most musicians have a hearing loss in varying degrees. The research objective is to determine the profile of hearing loss in the musicians in Manado, researching threshold musical sound that can cause hearing loss, and looking for a relationship with duration of music exposure to hearing loss. Research is explanatory research, analytical research methods and cross-sectional approach. Research conducted on hearing music group in the City of Manado. The study involved 30 people with the details of 15 respondents guitar players and 15 drummers. The result is: The degree of noise in the gym most of the 110-130 dB, experienced by 46.7% of respondents, mostly studied band of men which is about 90%. Hearing loss is the most followed by drummer and then gitarist, 46.7% and 36.6%, respectively; based upon long exposure to music,> 5 years 46.6%, based on length of exercise per day, more in the 3-4 hours it is 40%. Based on the result of the study, there is a relationship between noise exposure and hearing loss in musicians in the city of Manado. The noise level, exposure time per day, duration of exposure and vulnerability of respondents, closely related to hearing loss disorder the musicians in this study. Keywords: Hearing loss, the noise level, duration of exposure, musicians.Abstrak: Noise induce hearing loss (NIHL) atau gangguan pendengaran akibat kebisingan adalah gangguan pendengaran baik sebagian atau seluruh pendengaran, bersifat menetap, terjadi pada satu atau dua telinga, dapat bersifat ringan, sedang atau berat, terjadi karena paparan bising yang terus-menerus dari lingkungan. Pemusik adalah salah satu komunitas yang rentan terhadap gangguan pendengaran akibat bising. Pemusik mengalami paparan suara yang begitu besar. Kebanyakan pemusik mengalami gangguan pendengaran dalam berbagai derajat. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui profil gangguan pendengaran pemusik di kota manado, meneliti ambang batas suara musik yang dapat menyebabkan gangguan pendengaran serta mencari hubungan lama paparan musik dengan gangguan pendengaran. Penelitian bersifat Explanatory Research, dengan metode penelitian analitik dan pendekatan cross sectional. Penelitian gangguan pendengaran dilakukan pada kelompok musik di Kota Manado. Penelitian ini melibatkan 30 orang responden dengan rincian 15 pemain gitar dan 15 pemain drum. Hasil yang diperoleh adalah: Derajat kebisingan pada tempat latihan paling banyak antara 110-130 dB, dialami oleh 46,7 % responden, personil band yang diteliti kebanyakan laki-laki yaitu sekitar 90 %. Gangguan pendengaran terbanyak adalah pemain drum diikuti oleh gitaris 46,7 % and 36,6 %. Berdasarkan lama paparan musik, > 5 tahun 46,6 %; berdasarkan lama latihan per hari, lebih banyak pada 3-4 jam yaitu 40 %. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian kesimpulannya, terdapat hubungan antara paparan kebisingan dan gangguan pendengaran pada pemusik di Kota Manado. Tingkat kebisingan, waktu paparan perhari, lama terpapar serta kerentanan responden, berhubungan erat dengan pendengaran pada pemusik pada penelitian ini. Kata kunci: Gangguan pendengaran, tingkat kebisingan, lama paparan, pemusik.


2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-358

Objective: To investigate hearing protection devices (HPDs) use and its relationship with hearing loss among steel industry workers in Thailand. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study included 93 eligible participants who are working in the designated high-noise-level zones, which is 85 or more A-weighted decibels [dB(A)] for eight hours time-weighted average, of the two factories. Self-report forms were used to obtain HPDs use by industry workers and noise exposure level was measured with Spark® (Model 706) noise dosimeter. Audiometric screening for hearing loss was performed at a regional hospital by the qualified technician. The hearing loss in each ear was defined if the average threshold level was found to have exceeded 25 dB(A) at high frequencies of 4 and 6 kHz. Results: The findings showed that 45.2% of workers used earplug, 16.1% used earmuff, and 38.7% used both, and most workers (55.8%) wear HDPs regularly, for six of seven days per week. Fifty seven percent of workers wear HDPs for more than 60% time of an 8-hour work shift. Most workers (75.2%) have hearing loss. Conclusion: The authors’ result revealed that almost half of workers used hearing protection devices and most workers use HPDs during the 8-hour work time. Abnormal hearing ability were found among workers. The education program such as the hazards of noise on potential auditory loss, a noise education training program and full use of HPDs are encouraged to prevent effect of noise on workers. Keywords: Hearing protection devices, Noise induced hearing loss, Steel industry


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurfitriyana Nurfitriyana ◽  
July Ivone ◽  
Pramusinto Adhy

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a hearing disorder caused by noise. Noise with the intensity of 85 decibels (dB)or higher may damage the corti hearing receptor. Pilot is one of the riskiest occupations due to frequent noise exposure from aircraft machine. This research aimed to identify the influence of aircraft noise levels on hearing disorder of both helicopter and casa pilots. This is observational analytical research with cross-sectional design, involving 30 helicopter pilots and 30 casa pilots. The diagnosis of hearing disorder was done using secondary data from medical records. The aircraft noise was measured by sound level meter, the other risk factors were observed with questionnaire. Data were analyzed by chi-square with ?=0,05. The results showed that aircraft noise (p=0,009; OR=4,929), duration of working period (p=0,026; OR=8,308), and flight hours (p=0,006; OR=3,222) were related with hearing disorder, but not age (p=0,093; OR=3,222). We concluded aircraft noise, duration of the working period, and flight hours are related to hearing disorder of the pilots.   Keywords: hearing disorder; pilot; noise; noise-induced hearing loss


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