Publication: Prevalnace of Noise Induced Hearing Loss among Traffic Police Personnel of Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major preventable occupational health
hazard.
Objective
To measure permanent threshold shift in traffic police personnel due to noise
exposure and to examine whether it was associated with duration of noise
exposure, years of work and risk factors.
Methods
Cross sectional, descriptive study conducted at Dhulikhel hospital, Kathmandu
University Hospital in 110 responding traffic police personnel. Detailed history and
clinical examination of ear, impedence audiometry and pure tone audiometry was
performed.
Results
Mean age group was 29.82 years; 82(74.5%) were males and 28 (25.5%) were
females. Mean duration of service is 11.86 years. Twenty six (23.6%) had tinnitus
and 39(35.5%) had blocked sensation in ear. Sixty five (59.1%) worked between 10-
19 years. Alcohol and smoking shows positive impact on NIHL (p value =0.00). Odds
ratio with 95% confidence interval were 4.481 (1.925-10.432) and 6.578 (2.306-
18.764) respectively. Among 73(66.4%) noise induced hearing loss positive cases,
bilateral involvement was seen in 45 (40.9%) and unilateral in 28(25.4 %) cases.
Among unilateral cases most were left sided. Hearing threshold at 4 kHz increased
according to age and duration of service.
Conclusion
Traffic police personnel are in constant risk of noise induced hearing loss. Screening
for hearing loss is recommended for people exposed to noise.
KEY WORDS
noise induced hearing loss, traffic police personnel, occupational hazard
Description
Shrestha I, Shrestha BL, Pokharel M, Amatya RCM, Karki DR
Department of ENT HNS Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences Dhulikhel Hospital - Kathmandu University Hospital Dhulikhel Hospital, Kavre, Nepal