The effects of occupational noise on sound perception of engine grinders and airport staff in Northern Nigeria

Hearing or audition is the ability to perceive sound by detecting vibrations through the ear. Noise is perhaps, the most common occupational and environmental hazard. Grinding machines and airplanes can generate considerable noise (above 85dB) and thus, may cause hearing loss. This research was conducted using an instrument known as an audiometer to investigate the effect of noise generated from these sources on individuals that are exposed to it for a long duration. One hundred and fifty (150) subjects divided into three groups of A, B and C, were used for this study, each group comprising of 50 subjects. Group A (control group), comprised of secondary school staff, while local engine grinders and staff of Airport Operations Department made up groups B and C (study groups), respectively. Results obtained from the study showed that individuals in the study groups had a significantly increased hearing threshold from 28.22±1.26 and 28.80±1.29 to 50.08± 1.14 and 50.56±1.21 for the engine grinders, 44.92±1.31 and 44.59±1.38 above the normal (0-25dB) in both ears when compared to the control group. This revealed that the study groups had a poor hearing perception as well as a greater hearing loss than the control group. In conclusion, since engine grinders and staff of airport operation department are susceptible to this adverse effect due to their daily exposure to excessive sound (noise), it is advisable that they always work with ear protective devices.

کلیدواژه ها:

Noise ، Audiometric test ، Airport staff ، Engine grinders ، Hearing threshold ،