Hearing loss in a textile factory.

OBJECTIVE To compare the prevalence rate of hearing loss at different levels of noise in a textile factory and to find out the levels of hearing loss according to duration (years) of employment in the factory. METHODS Seventy workers exposed to different levels of noise were matched with 70 persons in the community who were not exposed to occupational noise. Noise levels dB(A) were measured at different locations in the factory. Hearing was assessed in all participants. Few cases were excluded from the study because hearing loss was due to factors other than exposure to noise. RESULTS The prevalence rate of hearing loss was higher among the exposed group ie. 30% in the exposed group and 8% in the non-exposed group. Hearing loss increased with increasing level of noise reaching 73% in the 95dB(A) area. Average hearing loss was highest amongst those who were employed for 25 years or more, reaching 39% dB(HL). CONCLUSION The findings of this study highlighted the magnitude of the problem, the necessity of the application of preventive measures and the need for more studies in this field.