Noise exposure, work duration, and hearing loss in a palm-oil mill: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Occupational noise exposure remains an important hazard in industrial settings and is associated with an increased risk of hearing impairment. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss and to examine its association with workplace noise intensity and job tenure among palm-oil mill workers. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted involving 95 workers selected through total sampling. Noise intensity was measured at 12 workstations using a sound level meter and categorized as <85 dB or ≥85 dB, while hearing status was assessed using the ScreenOut hearing screening application. Hearing loss was identified in 9 of 95 workers (9.5%), with a mean age of 47 ± SD years. Among workers exposed to noise ≥85 dB (n = 28), hearing loss occurred more frequently than among those exposed to <85 dB (n = 67), and this association was statistically significant (χ² test, p = 0.01; odds ratio [OR] = 5.82; 95% CI: 1.34–25.26). In contrast, job tenure ≥20 years (n = 58) was not significantly associated with hearing loss compared with <20 years (n = 37) (p = 0.283; OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 0.67–2.99). These findings indicate that higher noise intensity is associated with increased odds of hearing loss in this workforce, highlighting the importance of noise control measures, consistent use of personal protective equipment, and regular hearing screening in high-noise industrial environments.