A descriptive cross-sectional study on the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among traffic enforcers in selected major roads in Quezon City

Ma. Peñafrancia  L. Adversario,; Joanna Pauline  C. Kwan Tiu,; Mariama Mae  B. Lacsamana,; Christine  G. Lacdo-o,; Julina Maria  P. Katigbak,; Jaira  Y. Evangelista,; Darwin  A. Espiritu,; Annjanette  V. Fabro,; Jerwin Caesar  A. Estacio,; Princess Joy  D. Estrella,; Jeremias Anton  M. Fabricante,; Arvin Jon  C. Fariñas,; Elmo  R. Lago,; Jean Roschelle  M. Alonso,

A descriptive cross-sectional study on the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among traffic enforcers in selected major roads in Quezon City

Abstract:

Introduction : Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) attributed to occupational noise exposure is one of the most common causes of permanent hearing impairment. In the Philippines, road traffic remains the biggest source of noise. The authors aimed to determine the prevalence of NIHL among traffic enforcers in Quezon City and quantify their occupational noise exposure levels. Methods : Traffic enforcers were recruited via convenience sampling and screened using a questionnaire and otoscopic examination. Participants underwent pure tone audiometry and those found to have hearing loss were classified as “indicative” or “suspected” NIHL. Audiometric measurements of noise levels in areas where the traffic enforcers were assigned were taken using a calibrated smartphone application. Results : “Indicative of NIHL” was highest in the 41 to 50-year age group and “suspected NIHL” was highest in the 31 to 40-year age group. “Indicative of NIHL” was highest among those working for 1 to 5 and 11 to 15 years in the right ear (25%) and 11 to 15 years in the left ear (30%). “Suspected NIHL” was highest among those working for 6 to 10 years. The average noise levels from the different areas measured at different times ranged from 79.0 to 82.5 dB. Conclusion : “Indicative of NIHL” is more prevalent in the older age group while “suspected NIHL” is more prevalent in the middle age group. The prevalence of “indicative of NIHL” is highest among those in service for 1 to 5 and 11 to 15 years while “suspected NIHL” is highest among those in the service for 6 to 10 years. The average noise level measurements were within the safe values suggested by WHO.