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Noise Exposure and Hearing Impairment among Chinese Restaurant Workers and Entertainment Employees in Hong Kong

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  • Xiang Qian Lao
  • Ignatius Tak Sun Yu
  • Dennis Kin Kwok Au
  • Yuk Lan Chiu
  • Claudie Chiu Yi Wong
  • Tze Wai Wong

Abstract

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major concern in the non-manufacturing industries. This study aimed to investigate the occupational noise exposure and the NIHL among Chinese restaurant workers and entertainment employees working in the service industry in Hong Kong. Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved a total of 1,670 participants. Among them, 937 were randomly selected from the workers of Chinese restaurants and 733 were selected from workers in three entertainment sectors: radio and television stations; cultural performance halls or auditoria of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD); and karaoke bars. Noise exposure levels were measured in the sampled restaurants and entertainment sectors. Each participant received an audiometric screening test. Those who were found to have abnormalities were required to take another diagnostic test in the health center. The “Klockhoff digit” method was used to classify NIHL in the present study. Results: The main source of noise inside restaurants was the stoves. The mean hearing thresholds showed a typical dip at 3 to 6 KHz and a substantial proportion (23.7%) of the workers fulfilled the criteria for presumptive NIHL. For entertainment sectors, employees in radio and television stations generally had higher exposure levels than those in the halls or auditoria of the LCSD and karaoke bars. The mean hearing thresholds showed a typical dip at 6 KHz and a substantial proportion of the employees fulfilled the criteria for presumptive NIHL (38.6%, 95%CI: 35.1–42.1%). Being male, older, and having longer service and daily alcohol consumption were associated with noise-induced hearing impairment both in restaurant workers and entertainment employees. Conclusion: Excessive noise exposure is common in the Chinese restaurant and entertainment industries and a substantial proportion of restaurant workers and entertainment employees suffer from NIHL. Comprehensive hearing conservation programs should be introduced to the service industry in Hong Kong.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiang Qian Lao & Ignatius Tak Sun Yu & Dennis Kin Kwok Au & Yuk Lan Chiu & Claudie Chiu Yi Wong & Tze Wai Wong, 2013. "Noise Exposure and Hearing Impairment among Chinese Restaurant Workers and Entertainment Employees in Hong Kong," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(8), pages 1-9, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0070674
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070674
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    Cited by:

    1. Xinglin Chen & Fuqiang Yang & Shuo Cheng & Shuaiqi Yuan, 2023. "Occupational Health and Safety in China: A Systematic Analysis of Research Trends and Future Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-27, September.
    2. Rayane Stephanie Gomes de Freitas & Diogo Thimoteo da Cunha & Elke Stedefeldt, 2020. "Work Conditions, Social Incorporations, and Foodborne Diseases Risk: Reflections About the (Non)Compliance of Food Safety Practices," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 40(5), pages 926-938, May.

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