Occupational noise induced hearing loss and hypertension: a cross-sectional study among dry food factory workers

Background: Workers in manufacturing industries are exposed to noise generated by the manufacturing processes that results in auditory and non-auditory effects on them. The relationship between occupational exposure to noise and blood pressure is subject to debate in occupational medicine Objective: the study objectives were to measure the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and hypertension among dry food factory workers and to determine the association between them Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted among workers in dry foods factory. The study included 268 workers selected randomly from the four factory departments. All participants were subjected to pure tone audiometry, blood pressure measurements and BMI calculations, as well as personal and occupational history taking. Results:
NIHL was present among 15.3% of workers (n=41); mild NIHL represented 65.9% of NIHL cases, moderate and severe NIHL represented 29.3% and 4.9% of cases respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age, employment duration, smoking, and irregular use of personal protective devices (PPD) were significant risk factors for occupational NIHL. Hypertension was present among 16% (n=43) of workers. On multivariate analysis, hypertension were independently associated with longer employment duration, smoking, family history of hypertension, and NIHL. Conclusion NIHL and Hypertension were not uncommon among dry food factory workers. They were both associated with longer employment duration, and smoking. NIHL was strongly associated with the irregular use of PPD. Hypertension was significantly related to unprotected chronic exposure to noise. The strict usage of PPD can decrease the prevalence of both NIHL and hypertension among exposed workers