Sex And Age As Risk Factors In The Development Of Noise Induced Hearing Impairment.

Background: Noise pollution constitutes one of the greatest occupational hazards to the exposed. Noise induced hearing impairment is one of the many problems associated with exposure to high noise levels. It has been known that sex is a potential risk factor to the development of noise induced hearing impairment (nihi) in the exposed. In this study we evaluated the possible risk posed by age and sex to the development of nihi and the severity of nihi symptoms. Method: 100 industrial workers in Benin City were recruited for this study. 60 staff and students living in a university community with an ambient noise level of 60dBA served as the control subjects. The test group was individuals who had been exposed for a minimum of four years to noise level of 100dBA. They were categorized into five age groups and according to sex. The frequency of nihi and severity of its symptoms in these individuals was assessed. The results show that the occurrence of nihi and the severity of the symptoms increased with age. Also, females appeared to have a higher tolerance to noise, lower hearing thresholds and developed nihi more slowly relative to their male counterparts. Conclusion: The development of nihi may show sex and age trends. This information may inform better noise control measures and the understanding of the pathogenesis of nihi in this environment. Keywords: Age, Sex, and noise impaired hearing impairment.Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 11 (2) 2007: pp. 14-1