title: Prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among woodworkers in Nepal: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The woodworking industry represents an important cause of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), a significant yet underappreciated problem in many developing countries.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the prevalence of occupational NIHL among woodworkers in Nepal and measure noise levels at workplaces.
  
  
  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.
  
  
  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.
  
  
  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.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Whittaker
authors.forename: Aanand
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Acharya
authors.forename: Devesh
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009390:Nepal / Q000453:epidemiology; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Nepal,; Noise-induced hearing loss,; Occupational health and safety,; Prevalence,; Wood industry