Field survey on road traffic noise and evaluation of hearing loss and risk factors questionnaire in the community of Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

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Date
2002-11
Authors
Mohd. Taha, Haslinda
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The purpose of this study were to established the average traffic noise level in various places in Kota Bharu and to assess various risk factor of hearing loss and to document the incidence of noise- induced hearing loss among people living the traffic lane in Kota Bharu. The noise level were measured using the sound level meter at 15 sites along the traffic lane . The study was carried out for 16 hours per day. Those sites were then categorize into three main groups.Based on the average noise level the group then further divided into noise exposed group and control group. Then written questionnaire were given to both, the exposed group and control to assess the risk factors for hearing loss among them. Subsequently the pure tone audiogram were done to assess the hearing status. The study showed that 6 subjects from noise- exposed had noise -induced hearing loss pattern, while 2 subjects from control had noise- induced hearing loss pattern. The environmental noise is found to be below the critical level of 85dBA except at some places where it reaches very close to this hazardous figure. Evaluation of risks factor questionnaire is found effective in predicting the sensorineural hearing loss particularly in relation to noise exposure during employment an accident, systemic diseases and hobbies.
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Keywords
Traffic noise level, hearing loss
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