Hearing Loss of Workers and the Use of Hearing Protective Devices: Case Study in Large Food Canning Industry

Abstract

Hearing loss is a significant occupational health problem. The prime cause is exposure to noise higher than that of standard levels. The objectives of this cross-sectional descriptive study is to examine the prevalence of hearing loss, the use of hearing protective devices (HPDs) in workers, and the correlation between the use of HPDs and hearing loss. One hundred and seventy six subjects who worked in a large food canning factory were selected for this study. Data was collected using audiometry testing and questionnaires. Data was analyzed using the Chi-square test. The results showed that the prevalence of hearing loss amongst these workers was 21.0 percent. It was found that 48.9 percent of the workers have never used HPDs. Among the workers who used HPDs, 71.1 percent of them used HPDs occasionally and 28.9 percent of them used HPDs all the time while exposed to noise. The correlation between the correct use of HPDs and hearing loss was significant (p < .05). It was concluded that hearing loss status and the use of HPDs in the workers of the large food canning factory was serious. Employers and other related organizations should help to prevent and solve the problem of hearing loss by supporting workers in the use of HPDs when workers are exposed to excessive noise. Employers and other related organizations should also provide knowledge about the use of HPDs so that workers can recognize the significant benefits of HPDs and they can use HPDs correctly.