title: Noise Exposure and Hearing Capabilities of Quarry Workers in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although quarry operations have high economic significance, the effects they cause to the workers in terms of excessive noise production cannot be overlooked. This cross-sectional study assessed the extent of noise exposure and its influence on hearing capabilities among quarry workers in Ashanti region.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study involved 400 workers randomly selected from five quarries in Ashanti region from April to June 2012. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, physical examination, and audiological assessments. A logistic regression model was fitted to assess independent predictors of hearing loss.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the machines used at the various quarries produced noise that exceeded the minimum threshold with levels ranging from 85.5 dBA to 102.7 dBA. 176 (44%) of study respondents had hearing threshold higher than 25 dBA. 18% and 2% of these were moderately (41-55 dBA) and severely (71-90 dBA) impaired, respectively. Age, duration of work, and use of earplugs independently predicted the development of hearing loss. Use of earplugs showed a protective effect on the development of hearing loss (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.25, 0.84).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides empirical evidence on the extent of damage caused to quarry workers as a result of excessive noise exposure. This will support the institution of appropriate protective measures to minimize this threat.
authors.affiliation: Center for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Department of Community Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
authors.forename: Charles Kwame R
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Gyamfi
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Garden City University College, Kumasi, Ghana.
authors.forename: Isaac
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Amankwaa
authors.affiliation: Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Education, Kumasi, Ghana.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Owusu Sekyere
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Boateng
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004430:Ear Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008906:Mining; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D015995:Prevalence; D055815:Young Adult