Hearing loss and associated factors among wood workers in Addis Zemen and Woreta towns, Northwest Ethiopia, 2024

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss is an important cause of disease burden globally. Sensorineural hearing loss is the second most common type of hearing loss after age-related hearing loss. Hearing loss occurs due to loud sounds damaging inner ear hair cell stereocilia and preventing sound information from being carried to the brain. The woodworking industry is an important cause of occupational noise-induced hearing loss, a significant yet unappreciated problem in many developing countries. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hearing loss and associated factors among wood workers in the towns of Addis Zemen and Woreta, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods and materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 279 wood industry workers in the towns of Addis Zemen and Woreta from April to May 2024. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique, and the data were collected using structured interview questionnaires, a sound level meter, and pure tone audiometric measuring devices. The data was coded, and entered, using Epi Data version 4.6.0.6 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23. Factors associated with hearing loss were assessed using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Finally, model fitness was checked by the Hosmer and Lemshow test at a p-value > 0.05, and it was well-fitted with a p-value of 0.062. Results: A total of 260 wood workers participated in this study, with a response rate of 93.2%. The majority of the study participants (97.7%) were males. The median ages, with interquartile ranges, were 30 years and 16 years, respectively. The overall prevalence of hearing loss among woodworkers was 26.2% (95% CI: 21.1, 31.9). Working experience of 6–10 years (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.04, 6.47) or more than 10 years (AOR = 3.39, 95% CI 1.02, 11.24), working area noise above 85 dB (AOR = 4.54, 95% CI 1.8, 11.52), listening to music using earbuds for 2 hours or more (AOR = 4.33, 95% CI 1.63, 11.51), and ear infection (AOR = 3.64, 95% CI 1.13, 11.72) were associated with hearing loss. Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of hearing loss among wood workers was 26.2%. Working experience, noise level in the workplace, listening to music with an earphone for more than two hours, and a history of ear infections were correlated with hearing loss. Wood workers should take breaks from noisy environments to give their ears time to rest to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.