title: Assessment of noise levels generated by music shops in an urban city in Nigeria.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the level of noise generated by music shops in an urban city in Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional, descriptive study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study involved music shops in three out of eight identified clusters of market areas in Benin City. A semi-structured, researcher-administered questionnaire was also used to collect data from music shop owners. Noise levels generated by speakers in the music shops were measured using a sound level meter, and blood pressure measurements were taken with a mercury sphygmomanometer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 250 music shops studied, more than 90.0% generated noise levels >85 dB, and 54.8% had a continuous pattern of noise. Longer duration of working years was significantly associated with decreased hearing (P = 0.01), shouting when talking (P = 0.04) and high blood pressure (P = 0.003). The position of music dealers in relation to the speakers was significantly associated with shouting when talking (P = 0.000). A significant association was found between higher levels of noise and high blood pressure (P = 0.004).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study found very high levels of noise in music shops, which could be a source of occupational noise exposure among music dealers. Enlightenment campaigns on the hazards of exposure to loud noise and periodic audiometry examinations are recommended for this occupational group.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Ebare
authors.forename: V O
authors.initials: VO
authors.lastname: Omuemu
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Isah
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D009146:Music; D009549:Nigeria; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population