Noise Induced Hearing Loss among an Occupational Group of Textile Workers in Karachi, Pakistan

A cross sectional survey was conducted among textile workers of six textile factories of different industrial areas of Karachi to determine the frequency of hearing loss. A total of 264 workers were assessed for frequency of hearing loss with audiometric and otoscopic examination conducted by audiologist. About 79% workers had hearing impairment on audiometric assessment having hearing loss ≥25 dB. Of these, 19% of the workers had conductive deafness while 71% had mixed hearing loss. Otoscopic examination revealed that 38% had wax, 41.8 % had ear discharge and 1.6 % had perforation. The multiple logistic regression model shows sound level more than 25 dB aOR: 1.15; 95%CI: 1.10, 1.30 and ear discharge aOR: 2.23; 95%CI: 1.27, 3.92, was found as a strong risk factor of hearing loss (p<0.05). Hearing impairment affects a large proportion of the workers in Pakistan. There is a need for screening of workers exposed to occupational noise. Efforts should be made by the health care system to prevent the problem from an early stage and require effective management of ear-related diseases.