Noise exposure and permanent hearing loss of textile workers in Thailand

Hearing loss induced by noise exposure in a large scale textile mill (number of workers = 1,611) in Thailand was investigated on the basis of interviews, noise measurements, and audiometric tests. The frequency of subjective symptoms relating to noise exposure was higher in the weavers than among other mill workers and office workers. The average noise levels in the weaving sections and other sections were 101.3 +/- 2.7 dBA and 89.8 +/- 5.3 dBA, respectively. The results of the audiometric tests revealed the significantly higher noise-induced hearing loss among workers in the weaving section compared to other mill workers and office workers (P less than 0.01). Among weavers, hearing levels decreased with the longer years of work. Concerning personal noise protective devices, 38.6% of the weavers never used them. It was concluded that hearing loss status in the workers of the mill was serious. Improvements by means of integrated work organization activities were recommended.