Department of Environmental and occupational Health and Safety Prevalence of Work Raleted Temporary Hearing Loss and Associated Factors among Textile Industry Workers in Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2022: A Crosss-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Due to noise exposure in the workplace temporary hearing loss is a significant health problem worldwide. Textile industry workers are at an increased risk of developing noise induced hearing loss since they are exposed to significant amount of noise. However, little evidence has been available on work place noise exposure and the hearing status of the textile industry workers. Objective: To assess the prevalence work related temporary hearing loss and associated factors among textile industry workers in Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2022 Methods: An institution- based cross- sectional study was conducted from June 06-July 02/2022. Simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. The data was collected using a pre-tested and structured questionnaires with observational checklists and sound level meter to measure noise exposure level. Multivariable logistic regression analyses was performed to identify potential factors associated with work related temporary hearing loss. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI of p-value <0.05 was used to declare association between independent variables and work related temporary hearing loss. Results:. The prevalence of work related temporary hearing loss was 38.7% (95%CI=34.14%– 43.6%). Weaving department (AOR: 6.6:(95%CI=3.06-14.3) and sound pressure level (AOR; 7.9(95%CI=2.6-23.7) were siginificantly associated factors with work related temporary hearing loss among textile industry workers. Conclusion: The prevalence of work related temporary hearing loss among textile industry workers was high. Weaving department and noise exposure level were significantly associated with work related temporary hearing loss. Therfore, Textile industries shall be implemented hearing test of workers by audiometery and noise control measures such as noise reduction measures at the source and administrative measures like work rotation and provide appropriate hearing protective devices. Key Words: - Work related temporary hearing loss, noise exposure, textile industry workers, Ethiopia