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Noise-
Induced Hearing Loss among Nigeria Printing Industrial Workers
Onyeka Ekekwe1
and Dr. W.O. Owolawi*2
1C/O
Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital,
College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria. E-mail:
ekyxty@yahoo.com.
*2Associate
Professor, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Unit, Rehabilitation
Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud
University, P.O. Box 10219, Riyadh, 11433. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
E-mail: wowolawi@ksu.edu.sa
Downloaded
30 March, 2012
Accepted 5
May, 2012
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The study aims to evaluate noise-induced hearing loss among workers
of a printing industry in Lagos metropolis which is the commercial
hub of Nigeria. A total sample of one hundred and ninety-six (196)
workers, matched for age, was randomly selected for this study.
Occupational, medical status and reactions to noise were evaluated
in the sampled subjects. The workers hearing threshold levels were
obtained through the use of a calibrated TA 155 diagnostic
audiometer after a thorough otoscopic procedure.
Four hypotheses were raised in the study. Analysis of findings was
done using both t-test and chi-square statistical methods.
The study finding revealed a statistically significant difference in
the hearing thresholds between male and female genders particularly
on the tested higher frequencies of 4 and 8 KHz (P<0.05). Duration
of employment and incidence of hearing loss was found to be
statistically correlated (P<0.05). There was a statistically
significant difference in the prevalence rate of hearing loss
amongst exposed and non-exposed groups (P<0.05). On reaction to
noise levels and its harmful effect across gender lines, a no
statistically significant difference was recorded (P>0.05).
The paper discusses the consequences of finding and concluded with a
recommendation on a conservation program in such industries.
Keywords:
Noise-induced hearing loss, printing industry, conservation, HPDs,
Nigeria.
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