Audiological profile of fishermen using fiber motor boats in Puducherry
Abstract
Background: Fishermen face multiple occupational health risks including drowning, traumatic injuries, asphyxia, and skin allergies. Additionally, their exposure to high intensities of engine noise during fishing puts them at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Inadequate use of ear protective devices and lack of awareness further contribute to the prevalence of NIHL among fishermen. This study aims to measure the engine noise level of fiber motor boats and develop an audiological profile of fishermen in Puducherry.
Materials and methods: Thirty fishermen between the ages of 20 to 45 years, who operate fiber motor boats were tested using pure-tone and speech audiometry, high-frequency audiometry, immittance audiometry, single and multifrequency tympanometry, and distortion product oto-acoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Additionally, the engine noise level of fiber motor boats was measured using a sound level meter.
Results: The engine noise levels ranged from 92 dB(A) to 115 dB(A) and 81 dB(A) to 106 dB(A) at 3 feet and 6 feet distance respectively, which exceeds the permissible 90 dB(A) limit
in accordance to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for 8 hours. Audiological test results indicated hearing loss primarily at 4 kHz and at higher frequencies. Single and multifrequency tympanometry results were atypical. Although pure tone audiometry (PTA) at standard frequencies was normal, DPOAEs were affected.
Conclusion: It is crucial to educate fishermen about ear care and the use of ear protection to prevent hearing loss due to harmful noise levels. In addition, the importance of using high-frequency audiometry and oto-acoustic emissions (OAEs) for early detection of NIHL is emphasized.
Keywords: audiological profilingfishermenoccupational hearing lossnoise induced hearing loss
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