NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS AMONG INDUSTRIAL WORKERS IN DAR ES SALAAM

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To determine whether sound in the study areas was of sufficient intensity
to cause hearing loss and if so whether those exposed have been affected and to determine
whether workers/employees in the study areas were aware that sound can cause hearing
loss and if so whether they knew that this can be prevented by ear protection.
Design: Cross-sectional study
Setting: Industrial area A and B randomly selected from among industries in Dar es
Salaam.
Subjects: One hundred and fifty workers from area A and fifty two employees from
area B.
Method: A questionnaire was filled and had their hearing thresholds measured by a
pure tone audiometer machine.
Results: In both study areas the noise levels were above the safe limit of 85dB(A). In
area A 28 workers and in area B eight employees had noise induced hearing loss. In
area A 81.1% of the workers and in area B 85% of the employees knew that noise
causes hearing loss. All workers/employees from both study areas knew that noise
induced hearing loss could be prevented by some form of ear protection.
Conclusion: Workers/Employees exposed to noise above 85dB(A) will eventually develop
hearing loss. Workers/employees are aware of this hazard. There is therefore a need
to educate those exposed on how best to protect their ears from the hazard and provide
them with protective gear.