Occupation Noise Exposure and Hearing Impairment among Grain Millers in Ita-Amo Market, Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Occupational noise has been identified to cause health hazard on workers. Noise pollution annoys, causes hearing loss, and disturbs mental capacity and performance. Noise pollution is becoming increasingly more severe in cities and occupational setting, escalating at such a high rate that it is now considered as a major threat to the quality of human lives. This study aims to evaluate the level of occupational noise exposure, the effect of noise Grain Millers and the use of personal protective equipment. The study group included 54 mill operators comprising males and females, from 38 mill shops. Age ranges from 15 to 58 years. The Noise Measurement was taken three times a day on 7 different occasions during active milling using Mini-Sound Level Meter (Risepro HT-80A). A semi-structured interviewer questionnaire was conducted to elicit some information such as the source of noise, use of hearing protective device and effect of noise on hearing. This study result indicated that noise exposure depends on types of mill operation and machines used for milling activities This study revealed that the respondents were exposed to noise pollution ranging from 85-115.90 dB(A) with average value of 102 dB(A) which is above the standard of 85 dB(A) given by NESREA.  Approximately 75% of the respondent experience temporary hearing and tinnitus shortly after work and 92.59% did not have any personal protective device or hearing protective device. Therefore, there is an urgent need for intervention and awareness on the effects of noise on health and the use of hearing protective devices should be strictly enforced by the appropriate authority.