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Noise Mapping, Prevalence and Risk Factors of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among Workers at Muscat International Airport

Author

Listed:
  • Norah A. Al-Harthy

    (IAU—Fellowship Program in Occupational Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Damam 34221, Saudi Arabia)

  • Hassan Abugad

    (Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Damam 34221, Saudi Arabia)

  • Najwa Zabeeri

    (Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Damam 34221, Saudi Arabia)

  • Amal A. Alghamdi

    (Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Damam 34221, Saudi Arabia)

  • Ghada F. Al Yousif

    (Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Damam 34221, Saudi Arabia)

  • Magdy A. Darwish

    (Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Damam 34221, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common occupational hazard and a major cause of deafness among airport workers. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the various risk factors related to hearing loss. Purpose: the purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence and risk factors of NIHL among Muscat International Airport airside workers. Method: Their daily noise exposure level at the airport was measured, and the time-weighted average (TWA) was calculated for each airside department. A cross-sectional study design involving 312 workers from the eight departments of the airport was chosen and the prevalence of NIHL among workers was assessed. The study participants then completed a self-administered questionnaire that covered their socio-demographic characteristics, occupational exposure history and the health-related risk factors of NIHL. Results: The TWA recorded for the workers was above the accepted limit in some departments, namely, cabin appearance, ramp, line maintenance and hangar. The prevalence of NIHL among participants was 21.79% (n = 68). Of these 68 participants with NIHL, 22.30% were exposed to job-related high noise levels. NIHL was common among participants aged 40 or above (57.35%, n = 39) and high school degree holders (29.60%, n = 29), as well as those who were exposed to higher noise levels (84.89%, n = 191) or who did not wear their hearing protection devices (HPDs) regularly (53.65%, n = 125). Conclusion: around a quarter of our study participants who were exposed to high noise levels suffer from NIHL.

Suggested Citation

  • Norah A. Al-Harthy & Hassan Abugad & Najwa Zabeeri & Amal A. Alghamdi & Ghada F. Al Yousif & Magdy A. Darwish, 2022. "Noise Mapping, Prevalence and Risk Factors of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among Workers at Muscat International Airport," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7952-:d:851086
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    Cited by:

    1. Tallal Abdel Karim Bouzir & Djihed Berkouk & Juan Miguel Barrigón Morillas & Guillermo Rey-Gozalo & David Montes González, 2024. "Noise Pollution Studies in the Arab World: A Scientometric Analysis and Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-24, May.

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