NOISE LEVELS, HEALTH PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND HEARING IMPAIRMENT AMONG SELECTED MEMBERS OF UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN COMMUNITY

Abstract

Noise is one of the major factors that could affect hearing and learning in an academic community. Nigerian university environments are notable for activities that are often associated with noise. However, inadequate quantitative information on noise levels and its health related issues in academic setting exist. This study was designed to determine the noise levels in selected locations, related health problem experienced and auditory impairment among selected members of University of Ibadan (UI) community. A five stage random sampling technique was used to select 13 out 46 locations stratified into four areas; classrooms (3), offices (2), residential area (4) and public utilities (4). Noise level measurements at the locations were carried out three days weekly using AEMC sound meter for 12 consecutive weeks, at three specific time of the day (8-10am, 12-2pm and 4-6pm). Values obtained were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) standard for noise exposure in teaming environments. Information on perceived health problems related to high noise levels experienced by respondents in the six weeks preceding the study were obtained using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered on 400 members of`UI community (71 staff, 329 students) selected using stratified random sampling technique. A Kamplex audiometer was used to carry out audiometric measurements on 100 consenting respondents who had been in UI community for at least the last two academic sessions. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, ANOVA and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Mean noise levels for classrooms, offices, residential area and public utilities were 66.4 ± 7.1dB, 63.9 ± 6.5dB, 69.2 ± 5.0dB and 79.7± 13.7dB respectively. The highest noise level (104.9dB) was recorded between 12-2pm of the day at the public utility areas. There was a significant difference between noise levels at time of measurement in all locations (p.<0.05). Noise levels at the four areas were above WH0 standard for noise exposure (35dB) in learning environment (p<0.0) irrespective of the time of measurement. The mean age of staff and students recruited were 36.3 ± 10.4 and 22.9± 4.6 years respectively. Many (55.5%) respondents reported having experienced at least one noise related health problem. The experienced health problems included: sleep disturbance (62.0%), headache (35.0%) tinnitus (23.0%) and ear pain (17.0%). Audiometric assessment revealed a pure tone average of 38.0 ± 14.8dB and 33.5 ± 13.9dB among staff and students respectively. Thus implying mild hearing loss among respondents. Prevalence of hearing impairment was 30.0%. Noise levels among locations in University of lbadan exceeded the standard for noise in learning environment and auditory impairment was found among some respondents. Noise attenuation plan that involves setting limit for noise exposure within the university is advocated.