Hearing Analysis of Welding Workshop Workers Exposed to Noise in Makassar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which is typically brought on by noise in the workplace, is caused by exposure to loud noise over an extended period of time. The early identification of NIHL requires the use of Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE)..

Objectives To examine the hearing of noise-exposed welding industry workers in Makassar in 2023.

Methods: A cross-sectional study in Makassar in the period January–March 2023. Consisting of 30 welding workshop workers who were exposed to noise with an intensity of ≥85 dB. Hearing loss was assessed using DPOAE and PTA. Data analysis using SPSS v. 26 Chi-square and Fisher tests were used.

Results: Of the 30 workers, 13 right ears (43.4%) were normal, 14 right ears (46.7%) had mild hearing loss, and 3 right ears (10.0%) had moderate degrees; 5 left ears (16.7%) were normal; 20 left ears (66.7%) had mild hearing loss; 4 left ears (13.3%) had moderate degrees; and 1 left ear (3.3%) had severe degrees based on PTA. Based on DPOAE, 3 right ear (10%) pass and 27 right ear (90%) refer; 1 left ear (3.3%) pass and 29 left ear (96.7%) refer. There is conformity between the DPOAE and PTA results of both ears at frequencies 3KHz, 4KHz, and 6KHz (p< 0.05).

Conclusions: There is conformity between the DPOAE and PTA results of both ears at frequencies 3KHz, 4KHz, and 6KHz.