Advances in Applied Psychology
Articles Information
Advances in Applied Psychology, Vol.1, No.1, Aug. 2015, Pub. Date: Jul. 21, 2015
Patterns of Hearing Loss Due to Noise Exposure Among Plant Workers at Aluminum Industry in Dubai
Pages: 47-50 Views: 2555 Downloads: 1002
Authors
[01] Hussein H. Y., Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE.
[02] Al Faisal W., Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE.
[03] Al Marashdah A. M., Health Centers Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE.
[04] El Sawaf E. M., Health Centers Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE.
[05] Wasfy A. S., Research and Statistics Department, Ministry of Health, Dubai, UAE.
Abstract
Backgrounds: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the oldest occupational diseases, and is one of the most important occupational diseases arising from long-term exposure to unauthorized noise levels. Objectives: To study the patterns of hearing loss among workers at aluminum industries due to exposure to noise. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Dubai Aluminum Company Limited (DUBAL) which owns and operates one of the world's largest aluminum smelters. The study sample was collected from workers in DUBAL Company. All workers in DUBAL were targeted in the study. The sample size was calculated by using computer program EPI-Info version “6.04”. Sample size was 400 workers with 100% response rate. Stratified random sampling technique was used. Two groups were selected according to noise level exposure: Plant and Adminstrative. Results: plant workers have significantly about 2.56 times the risk of developing hearing loss compared to administration workers. The prevalence of hearing loss among plant workers was 8.5% while that among administration workers was 3.5%. The risk was higher in each exposure group but attained significance only at the high exposure category (OR = 3.22). The prevalence of hearing loss was 6.0% among the low noise exposure group, 9.0% in the moderately high group and 10.4% in the high exposure group. hearing threshold level among study workers at different frequencies. In both ears, significant higher mean threshold were encountered among plant workers than among administration groups at high levels frequencies (3000 Hz, 4000 Hz and 6000 Hz). Conclusion: There was an apparent higher risk of hearing loss associated with longer duration of work, having 10 hours or more overtime per week, as well as having past exposure to noise. Health Education of the workers exposed to noise should be done regularly about: the health effect of noise (auditory and non auditory), the risk factors contributing to noise hazard, how to protect themselves from noise, the purpose of hearing protectors, as well as their responsibilities and their role in the Noise Management Program.
Keywords
Hearing Loss, Noise Exposure, Plant Workers, Aluminum Industry
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