Hearing Ability of Workers in Selected Textile Factory in Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

          This research was to study the result on hearing ability test of workers at Photharam district, Ratchaburi province, during 7-18 March 1994. T he sample was 132 textile workers who exposure to noise on working condition. The percentage females were 82.6, 53.8 percent were between 21-30 years old, 65.2 percent were between 1-5 years on working time. Usually protective device using were 69.7 percent. The finding was that 54.5 percent of the workers had hearing loss on high frequency about 3,000 Hertz and more on both ears. The level of hearing loss : 31.3 percent was mild, 12.8 percent was moderate and 9.8 percent was severe hearing loss. There were significant positive correlation between age, working time, noise level and hearing loss (P<0.01). Using protective devices were not significant correlation with hearing loss because 74 percent of workers had inefficient use of protective device. This tinding show about noise hazards in working condition for a long time. Efficient use of protective device and method to controlling the hazard.