Combined effect of noise exposure and smoking to hearing loss among casting factory workers in Panthong District, Chon Buri Province

บทคัดย่อ

This cross-sectional research was conducted to determine the combined effect of noise exposure and smoking to hearing loss among casting factory workers in Panthong District, Chon Buri Province. The sampling group was 437 persons in total. Research instrument included questionnaire, sound level meter, noise dosimeter and audiometer. All data analysis was done by using quantity, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. Research results showed the average of age was 27.2 years old, with 51.7% smoker and 66.8% was exposed to noise from 85 dB(A) and higher. 33.2% was exposed the noise less than 85 dB(A). The chi-square test showed the relation between smoking and hearing loss (p-value < 0.05). The OR for hearing loss among smokers was 11.91 (95% CI 7.17-19.78), whereas the OR for hearing loss among noise exposure and smoking was 7.76 (95% CI 4.10-14.68). The result indicated the relation between smoking and hearing loss among the study population. The authors suggested that smoking cessation should be encouraged.