Prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among woodworkers in Nepal: a pilot study. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robinson, Tim; Whittaker, Joshua; Acharya, Aanand; Singh, Devesh; Smith, Michael
• Is Part Of: International journal of occupational and environmental health. Volume 21:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Industrial hygiene -- Periodicals; Industrial toxicology -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Consumer goods -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1179/2049396714Y.0000000084
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-3525

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Background: The woodworking industry represents an important cause of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), a significant yet underappreciated problem in many developing countries.</p> <p>Objectives: To describe the prevalence of occupational NIHL among woodworkers in Nepal and measure noise levels at workplaces.</p> <p>Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 124 woodworkers (88 carpenters, 36 sawyers), recruited through convenience sampling from 26 workplaces. Pure-tone audiometry between the frequencies 0·5 and 8 kHz ascertained participants' hearing status, and noise readings were taken at selected workplaces.</p> <p>Results: In all, 31% of carpenters and 44% of sawyers met criteria for NIHL, with 7 and 17% meeting World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for hearing impairment (HI), respectively. Noise levels at various workplaces ranged from 71·2 to 93·9 dBA.</p> <p>Conclusions: Woodworkers in Nepal are at risk of occupational NIHL. As the industry develops, this problem will likely become more extensive, highlighting the need for workplace interventions and additional research.</p> </abstract>