OCCUPATIONAL NOISE-EXPOSURE AND ASSESSING HEARING LOSS OF NIGHTCLUB WORKERS IN TARAKAN CITY, INDONESIA

Abstract

Occupational noise-exposure is a majority problem in the workplace. Nightclub is one sector of the entertainment industry that will grow rapidly in the future. Many overseas research indicates that nightclub workers were exposed to loud music constantly throughout the work shift and putting their hearing at risk. This study design was cross-sectional with proportional random sampling and it was determined by the number of subjects in each nightclub. A total 117 nightclub workers from 5 nightclub were participated. Noise exposure level was assessed by Sound Level Meter monitoring, measuring hearing loss was done by Audiometer, and other variables (such as: age, gender, educational background, job description, hobby, smoke, drink alcohol, sport activities, duration work, length workday, knowledge and practice, characteristic workers, distance, number of loudspeaker, and total floor area) were assessed by questionnaires and observation. The average noise at nightclub was 107.22 dBA where every employee works more than 6 hours per day. A total of 104 respondents (88.9%) had hearing loss, while 13 respondents (11.1%) did not experience any hearing loss (normal). From 104 respondents who indicated experiencing hearing loss, mostly at the level of mild (88 respondents), 15 respondents (moderate), and 1 (one) respondent in the level of severe. Multiple logistic regression found hobby, smoke, knowledge and practice were strongest predictor may affect to hearing loss. Provide regular inspections of the ears of workers, doing the job rotation system it was a good solution to prevent from hearing loss for management of nightclub. The government also should regularly conduct campaigns and provide training on occupational health, and routinely perform noise measurements.