Efectiveness of Hearing Conservation Program in Nan Hospital - ประสิทธิผลของโครงการอนุรักษ์การได้ยินในโรงพยาบาลน่าน

Abstract

              Noise induced hearing loss(NIHL) is one of the most common cause of hearing impairment. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of existing Hearing Conservation Program, to measure noise exposure levels and to determine the factors influencing NIHL in Nan hospital.This study was designed by using the cross-sectional descriptive study. Fifty-seven workers in noisy environmental department were studied in 2005 and 2008. Current noise exposure was measured using both sound level meter and noise dosimeter. Otoscopic examination and audiometry were used to assess the hearing in each subject. Reported questionnaire were reviewed. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and differences between groups were analyzed by the chi-square, t-test and Fisher’s exact test. All p-values were two-tailed and values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

          The result showed that three from twelve noisy departments that noise exposure equal or exceed an 8 hours time above 85 Decibels (A) were generator area, Orthopedics OPD while cast cutting and the maintenance department. The factors showing statistically significant association with NIHL were male, smoking behavior, and working department. (p < 0.05) The prevalence of NIHL was 57.9 percent in comparision to 28.0 percent in 2005 study. In 2008, the highest prevalence of NIHL was reported in the maintenance department. The result of the achievement of existing Hearing Conservation Program was 61.4 percent that reflected the unsatisfactory efficacy of the Hearing Conservation Program and may result from limited awareness about dangerous level of loud noise, inadequate hearing protection devices and irregular use of hearing protection devices for the risk groups. In conclusion, The increase of prevalence of NIHL suggested that more effective hearing conservation program such as totally use hearing protective devices, regularly audiometry and education program should be urgently launched.

Key words: noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), Hearing Conservation Program, hospital workers