Protecting Hearing Health: High-Frequency Hearing Loss Among Hospital Workers in Laundry and Nutrition Departments

Abstract

Background:

Existing research primarily focuses on high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) among manufacturing workers, with limited studies on hospital workers. This study aims to examine factors associated with HFHL among hospital workers engaged in laundry and nutrition departments.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted during October and December 2023 in the laundry and nutrition departments of a tertiary hospital, Thailand. Noise monitoring using area sampling methods was carried out over an 8-hour period, with 8-hour time-weighted average calculated. A total of 107 workers were interviewed and underwent audiometry testing.

Results:

Of the 107 workers, 75.7% reported HFHL in both the right and left ears, 14.9% experienced unilateral HFHL, and 68.2% had bilateral HFHL. Binary logistic regression revealed that HFHL in the right ear was positively associated with not wearing earplugs (adj.OR = 3.84, 95% CI [1.27, 11.58)] and longer daily working hours (adj.OR = 1.42, 95% CI [1.05, 1.90]). HFHL in the left ear was associated with age (adj.OR = 1.08, 95% CI [1.01, 1.14]). Unilateral HL was linked to the department of employment (adj.OR = 0.11, 95% CI [0.02, 0.55]), while bilateral HL was associated with age (adj.OR = 1.07, 95% CI [1.01, 1.13]).

Conclusion:

HFHL among workers is influenced by factors including age, department of employment, daily working hours, and the use of earplugs during work. HFHL in the right ear is notably affected by earplug use and daily working hours. Occupational health practices to ensure proper use of hearing protection devices and limiting daily work durations to no more than 8 hours are essential.