Electronic ISSN 2287-0237

VOLUME

PREVALENCE OF NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS IN AMBULANCE NURSES.

SEPTEMBER 2016 - VOL.12 | ORIGINAL ARTICLE
OBJECTIVE:

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of noise- induced hearing loss of ambulance nurses and to assess working conditions related to loud noise levels in ambulances.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was a cross sectional study studying 50 nurses, aged between 20-60 years working in the emergency department at Bangkok Hospital headquarters during October to November 2015 with the inclusion questionnaire, an otoscopic study was done and then audiometric examination to assess to the level of hearing. A sound level meter was used to measure the noise level in the cabin of the ambulance and to measure the noise exposure of the nurse a noise dosimeter was attached to the nurse in the ambulance. The survey was conducted during 20 round trips in Bangkok and 20 roundtrips in other provinces.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of noise induced hearing loss among 50 nurses was 6 %. 

 

CONCLUSION:

The results showed that the samples did experience noise-induced hearing loss and are exposed to loud nois.

Keywords:

noise-induced hearing loss

DOI:

10.31524/bkkmedj.2016.09.003

MEDIA
Figure 1
Table 1:
Demographic characteristics of the study of hearing loss in ambulance nurses (n = 50).
Table 2:
Past history of noise exposure, ear problems and use of hearing protective devices (n = 50).
Table 3:
Result of screening audiometric test in sound proof booth (n = 50).
Table 4:
Numbers of Noise notch in any frequency (n = 4).
Figure 2:
Knowledge of the effect of loud noise.
Figure 3:
Assessment of working environment.
Figure 4:
Nurses’ exposure to loud noise in ambulances over 20 round trips in Bangkok.
Figure 5:
Nurses’ exposure to loud noise in the ambulances over 20 round- trips from Bangkok to other provinces and returning to Bangkok.
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