Prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among Tanzanian Iron and Steel Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Israel P. Nyarubeli, Alexander M. Tungu, Bente E. Moen and Magne Bråtveit
Additional contact information
Israel P. Nyarubeli: Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21, 5020 Bergen, Norway
Alexander M. Tungu: Department of Physiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Bente E. Moen: Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21, 5020 Bergen, Norway
Magne Bråtveit: Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 8, 1-13

Abstract: Iron and steel factory workers in Tanzania are likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to exposure to high sound levels. Studies on hearing status in this population are lacking. The aims of this study were to determine prevalence of NIHL among iron and steel workers and compare hearing thresholds at different frequencies with a control group. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 221 iron and steel workers exposed to average noise level of 92 dB(A), compared with 107 primary school teachers recruited as controls and exposed to average noise level of 79.7 dB(A). We used a questionnaire-based interview to collect information on socio demographic characteristics and other confounding variables. Hearing loss was defined as hearing threshold levels ≥25 dB hearing loss in either ear at 3000, 4000 or 6000 Hz. The prevalence of hearing loss was significantly higher among the exposed group than among the controls, i.e. 48% and 31%, respectively. There were significant differences in hearing thresholds between the exposed and control groups at 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz. Hearing loss was more frequent among workers exposed to higher noise levels than among the controls suggesting that iron and steel workers run a higher risk of developing hearing loss.

Keywords: audiometry; occupational; noise-induced hearing loss; hearing threshold; exposed; iron and steel; Tanzania (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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