Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss Among Dire Dawa Textile Workers

Although dangerous noise levels have been previouslyrnmeasured in Ethiopian factories, no studies haverndocumented the importance of noise-induced hearing lossrn(NIHL). This study was designed to assess the prevalencernand risk factors for NIHL i n a Dire Dawa textile mill .rnAfter a random start, a systematic sample of 630rnworkers were selected from among the 5900 factoryrnemployees. Data were collected through interviews,rnotologic examinations, pure tone audiometry andrnenvironmental noise surveys to document noise exposures.rnNoise level s as high as 110 dB(A) were detected, withrnaverage of 99. 5±3. 2 dB (A) in the weaving section andrn89.0±2.5 dB(A) in the spinning section.rnAudiometric tests revealed a 34% overall prevalencerno f NIHL, with a higher rate (71.7% ) among weavers. NIHLrnwas significantly associated only with level of noise,rnduration of exposure, and work section. Those who workedrnfor 20 years or more had a nearly ten-fold increased riskrnof NIHL (OR=9.60, CI=3.40-23.30) Those chronicallyrnexposed to noise level of 90 dB(A) or more had a 14-foldrnincreased risk of NIHL (OR=14.4 0 , CI=8.20-25 . 12 ) .rnPreventive interventions were generally absent, teeth nornemployees reporting use of personal protective devicesrn(PPDs ) . It is recommended that a hearing conservation onrnprogram be promptly implemented .

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