Noise-induced hearing loss and associated factors amongst Kampala City traffic police officers

Abstract

Introduction Noise-induced hearing loss is the reduction of the ability to detect auditory stimuli following occupational, recreational, or accidental noise exposure. Although the traffic police officers of Kampala City are exposed to excessive occupational noise, there is no hearing loss prevention program for traffic police officers hence a risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and degrees of noise-induced hearing loss and its associated factors amongst Kampala City traffic police officers. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted at eight Kampala City police divisions where traffic police officers were recruited using consecutive sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Pure tone audiometry was used to determine the hearing threshold levels of the traffic police officers. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression. Results The prevalence of NIHL amongst Kampala City traffic police officers is 18.92% (35/185). Thirty-two (17.30%) respondents had mild NIHL whereas 3(1.62%) had moderate NIHL. None of the respondents had severe or profound NIHL. Age (p-value=0.014, 95%CI 1.013-1.120) is a significant risk factor for NIHL amongst Kampala City traffic police officers. Conclusion The prevalence of NIHL amongst Kampala City traffic police officers is relatively low compared to other populations, however, it is four-fold the reported prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss amongst the Ugandan general population. We recommend that a hearing loss prevention program be put in place for traffic police officers in Kampala City and other heavily motorized cities and towns in Uganda.