Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Long-tailed Motor Boat Drivers, Changwat Krabi - สภาพปัญหาการได้ยินในผู้ประกอบการขับเรือยนต์หางยาว ในจังหวัดกระบี่

Abstract

           Krabi province is one of the most attractive sea and island destinations in the south of Thailand. Many local people have shifted their career to long-tailed motor boat (LTMB) drivers and are exposed to high noise levels possibly leading to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This project was conducted to find out the hearing loss problems in order to prevent further hearing impairments. A cross-sectional study was carried out from April to June 2005. One hundred and one LTMB drivers were tested for hearing ability with audiometer. Data on age, duration of working (year), engine-type and noise protective instrument were collected during interviews. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied in the study.

            Forty six (45.5%) of LTMB drivers were reported with NIHL while the disorder in both ears were reported in 22 of them. However the hearing impairment was reported on 9 right ears and 15 left ears. However 92 cases (91.1%) of them still professed to maintain their normal hearing ability. The mean ages of the NIHL were 39.3±12.49 years and 33.0±9.19 years in non-NIHL group. The mean working-duration of the NIHL was 9.9±6.28 years and 8.5±6.43 years in non-NIHL group. Most of them (97%) did not use any noise protective equipment.