Assessment of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among Staff and Students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt
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Abstract
This study assessed noise induced hearing loss at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The noise levels were measured using BENETECH Model: GN1352 noise meter. The sound meter was held at a height of 1.2 meters and 3 meters away from the source of noise, the instantaneous A-weighting noise value was computed. Measurement was carried out thrice per day at 8.00am-10.0am, 12.00-2.00pm and 4.00-6.00pm respectively. Measurement was conducted at different locations within the tertiary institution which includes: administrative buildings, hostels, lecture halls, library, park and business centers. The data was recorded quarterly for a period of twelve months. The mean value was obtained and used in computing the noise pollution level (LNP) and day time average noise level (LD). Also, three hundred subjects were drawn from the tertiary institution and screened for noise induced hearing loss. Hearing loss was assessed using the audiometry method. The data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and T-Test statistical package. The result revealed a noise pollution level for lecture halls (94dbA), libraries (79.1dbA), administrative building(80dbA), hostels(83.4dbA), business areas(83.6dBA), daytime average noise level (LD) for lecture halls (89.7dbA), libraries (70.4dbA), hostels (72.9dbA), business areas (80.7dbA) and and administrative building (71.6dBA) for all the locations . These values exceeded the maximum permissible limits for various locations when compared to the set standards of World Health Organization (WHO) and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA). Also, for hearing test, 26% had normal hearing level of (0-25DB), 31% had mild hearing loss (25-40 DB), 20.3% had moderate hearing loss (40-70 DB) and 23% had severe hearing loss (> 70 DB), those within the age bracket of 50-59 years were more in number of those with hearing loss. This study is an eye opener to the authorities of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education of the abnormal high noise level and the associated health impacts within its environs. Therefore, measures such as noise abatement and hearing conservation programmes, purchase and installation of such equipments which include earplugs, earmuffs, sound enclosures, acoustic doors and window sound walls, fences and barriers, acoustic baffles, banners, curtains and sound diffusers is advocated for.
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