Noise induced hearing loss among industrial workers in Dar es Salaam.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether sound in the study areas was of sufficient intensity to cause hearing loss and if so whether those exposed have been affected and to determine whether workers/employees in the study areas were aware that sound can cause hearing loss and if so whether they knew that this can be prevented by ear protection.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Industrial area A and B randomly selected from among industries in Dar es Salaam.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty workers from area A and fifty two employees from area B.


RESULTS
In both study areas the noise levels were above the safe limit of 85dB(A). In area A 28 workers and in area B eight employees had noise induced hearing loss. In area A 81.1% of the workers and in area B 85% of the employees knew that noise causes hearing loss. All workers/employees from both study areas knew that noise induced hearing loss could be prevented by some form of ear protection.


CONCLUSIONS
Workers/Employees exposed to noise above 85dB(A) will eventually develop hearing loss. Workers/employees are aware of this hazard. There is therefore a need to educate those exposed on how best to protect their ears from the hazard and provide them with protective gear.
Minja
B M
BM
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Muhimbili University, College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 65001 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Moshi
N H
NH
Riwa
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004430:Ear Protective Devices; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006320:Hearing Tests; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013636:Tanzania