Document
Noise mapping, prevalence and risk factors of noise-induced hearing loss among workers at Muscat international airport.
Identifier
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137952
Source
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. v. 19, 7952
Contributors
Abugad, Hassan., Author
Zabeeri, Najwa., Author
Al-Ghamdiah, Amal A. , Author
Al-Yousif, Ghada F. , Author
Darwish, Magdy A. , Author
Country
Switzerland
City
Basel
Publisher
MDPI.
Gregorian
2022-07-01
Language
English
Subject
Subject (Name)
English abstract
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common occupational hazard and a major cause of deafness among airport workers. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the various risk factors related to hearing loss. Purpose: the purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence and risk factors of NIHL among Muscat International Airport airside workers. Method: Their daily noise exposure level at the airport was measured, and the time-weighted average (TWA) was calculated for each airside department. A cross-sectional study design involving 312 workers from the eight departments of the airport was chosen and the prevalence of NIHL among workers was assessed. The study participants then completed a self-administered questionnaire that covered their socio-demographic characteristics, occupational exposure history and the health-related risk factors of NIHL. Results: The TWA recorded for the workers was above the accepted limit in some departments, namely, cabin appearance, ramp, line maintenance and hangar. The prevalence of NIHL among participants was 21.79% (n = 68). Of these 68 participants with NIHL, 22.30% were exposed to job-related high noise levels. NIHL was common among participants aged 40 or above (57.35%, n = 39) and high school degree holders (29.60%, n = 29), as well as those who were exposed to higher noise levels (84.89%, n = 191) or who did not wear their hearing protection devices (HPDs) regularly (53.65%, n = 125). Conclusion: around a quarter of our study participants who were exposed to high noise levels suffer from NIHL.
ISSN
1661-7827
Resource URL
Category
Journal articles