Hearing Loss Due to Occupational Exposure: An Analysis of Cases at Lahore

Abstract

Objective: To study the severity of noise-induced hearing loss and noise levels in the environment in occupationally exposed individuals at Pakistan air force base Lahore.

Study Design: Prospective longitiginal study.

Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Air Force base Lahore Pakistan, from Dec 2019 to Jun 2020.

Methodology: The noise levels and duration of exposure to loud noise were measured at various exposure points to define ways and means for future prevention.

Results: Out of 3000 patients reporting to the ENT outpatient department for various problems, 33.3% had ear problems. Out of 1000, 750 had hearing loss with normal tympanic membranes. Among 750, 200 (26.6%) had conductive hearing loss, while 550 (73.3%) had sensorineural hearing loss. Out of 550, 70 (12.72%) were related to occupational exposure in service and 480 (87.2%) were due to various causes. Most patients reported from the security wing (40, 57.14%) being exposed to the loud noise of gunfire as a pulsed exposure, followed by patients in the telecommunication field (20, 28.57%) being exposed to persistent noise.

Conclusion: Occupational exposure to loud noise in the workplace poses significant health issues, including an economic burden on an individual. NIHL related to occupational exposure to loud sounds is frequently reported worldwide. Education and prevention are two vital steps which can reduce the number of such cases significantly, thus preventing this lifelong disability, ensuring health and reducing the economic burden.