The effects of occupational noise on sound perception of engine grinders and airport staff in Northern Nigeria

Authors

  • J. A. Tende Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
  • A. Mohammed Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
  • E. D. Eze Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
  • Y. A. Tende Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
  • O. A. Daikwo Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
  • O. Onaadepo Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
  • I. S. Malgwi Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
  • A. Shaibu Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Keywords:

Noise;Audiometric test;Airport staff;Engine grinders;Hearing threshold

Abstract

Hearing or auditionis the ability to perceive sound by detecting vibrations through the ear. Noiseis perhaps, the most common occupational and environmental hazard. Grindingmachines and airplanes can generate considerable noise (above 85dB) and thus,may cause hearing loss. This research was conducted using an instrument knownas an audiometer to investigate the effect of noise generated from thesesources on individuals that are exposed to it for a long duration. One hundredand fifty (150) subjects divided into three groups of A, B and C, were used forthis study, each group comprising of 50 subjects. Group A (control group),comprised of secondary school staff, while local engine grinders and staff ofAirport Operations Department made up groups B and C (study groups),respectively. Results obtained from the study showed that individuals in thestudy groups had a significantly increased hearing threshold from 28.22±1.26and 28.80±1.29 to 50.08± 1.14 and 50.56±1.21 for the engine grinders,44.92±1.31 and 44.59±1.38 above the normal (0-25dB) in both ears when comparedto the control group. This revealed that the study groups had a poor hearingperception as well as a greater hearing loss than the control group. Inconclusion, since engine grinders and staff of airport operation department aresusceptible to this adverse effect due to their daily exposure to excessivesound (noise), it is advisable that they always work with ear protectivedevices.

References

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Published

2014-01-20

How to Cite

A. Tende, J., Mohammed, A. ., D. Eze, E., A. Tende, Y., A. Daikwo, O., Onaadepo, O. ., S. Malgwi, I., & Shaibu, A. . (2014). The effects of occupational noise on sound perception of engine grinders and airport staff in Northern Nigeria. Scientific Journal of Environmental Sciences, 3(1), 9-12. Retrieved from http://www.sjournals.com/index.php/sjes/article/view/1253

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Original Article

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