Burden and Risk Factors of Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among Employees Working at an International...

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the commonest occupational disease globally. However, literature on ONIHL in airport employees of developing countries is scarce.

To assess the burden of ONIHL and its associated factors among employees working at an international airport in Eastern India.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 such airport employees who had been working in the airport for >1 year. By stratified random sampling, participants were recruited from airfield, terminal, and administration sections. ONIHL was measured using a portable audiometer and noise exposure using a sound-level meter.

The mean age was 34.1 ± 9.2 years, 89.2% were men. The mean year of working in the airport was 7.6 ± 6.3 years. The 8-hour-time-equivalent noise exposure ranged from 56.6 to 86.5 dBA. Approximately 50% of the employees do not wear any hearing protection equipment when working. Prevalence of ONIHL was found to be 7.6%. On multivariable analysis, higher noise exposure and use of hearing protection equipment were found to be positively and negatively associated with ONHIL, respectively.

ONIHL was found to be prevalent among employees working at the airport, and focus should be given on reducing noise exposure levels and ensuring use of protective equipment among the employees.