Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss among Brewery Workers in Lagos, Nigeria

Nino L. Wouters, Charlotte I. Kaanen, Petronella J. den Ouden, Herbert Schilthuis, Stefan Böhringer, Bas Sorgdrager, Richard Ajayi and Jan A. P. M. de Laat
Additional contact information
Nino L. Wouters: Clinical Technology, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
Charlotte I. Kaanen: Clinical Technology, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
Petronella J. den Ouden: Global Health, HEINEKEN International B.V. Amsterdam, 1017 ZD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Herbert Schilthuis: Global Health, HEINEKEN International B.V. Amsterdam, 1017 ZD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Stefan Böhringer: Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
Bas Sorgdrager: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Richard Ajayi: Company Clinic, Nigerian Breweries Plc. Iganmu House, Abebe Village Rd, Iganmu, Lagos 101271, Nigeria
Jan A. P. M. de Laat: Department of Audiology (ENT), Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-14

Abstract: The health risks of exposure to loud noises are a well-established fact and are widely addressed in modern industries. Yet, in less developed countries, it is thought these hazards receive less attention, both in the workplace and in private life. (1) Background : The aim of this study is to assess the occupational noise exposure in a developing country and identify possible risk groups for whom intervention is needed. (2) Methods : A cross-sectional study was performed among brewery employees in Lagos, Nigeria. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was performed, paired with a self-report questionnaire. Personal noise dosimetry (PND) was also performed with an additional group of participants. (3) Results : A total of 458 employees were submitted to PTA. The Packaging and Utilities department reported the largest shifts in hearing thresholds (18 dB [sd = 15] and 16 dB [sd = 15] @4kHz, respectively). No significant effect of department type on auditory health could be found. PND results were obtained from 39 employees. Packaging and Sales were identified as the most exposed departments. (4) Conclusions : A healthy hearing profile was found for a large proportion of the brewery employees (91.7%). However, NIHL (noise-induced hearing loss) proportions specifically among Bottling and Sales employees were elevated.

Keywords: occupational health; audiology; noise hazards; NIHL; cross-sectional study; personal noise dosimetry; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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