Prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss in workers with noise exposure in Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center, Srinakharinwirot University

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in workers in Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center, Srinakharinwirot University (PCMC). The risk factors associated with noise-induced hearing loss were evaluated. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the data of 82 patients (43 males and 39 females) between June 2018 and July 2018. Subjects were between 20 and 59 years of age. All of them worked in loud environments in PCMC, using extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA). The results of hearing loss in the group of EHFA and conventional audiometry were compared using the chi-squared test, McNemar’s chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for evaluating the risk factors. Results: The prevalence of NIHL was 41.5%. The risk factors associated with NIHL were smoking [odds ratio (OR)=5.6, p-value=0.002 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.66-18.86)] and age over 40 years [OR=10.38, p-value<0.001 (95% CI=2.82-38.24)]. Conclusion: Epidemic NIHL continues to increase in the workplace, particularly in individuals with an age of over 40 years who smoke. Early detection of this irreversible disorder of the inner ear should be attempted. © 2019, Prince of Songkla University. All rights reserved.