Hearing loss among grain millers in the informal sector in Benin

Abstract

Introduction: Noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable health problem worldwide. However, it continues to affect workers especially in the informal sector, due to the lack of medical and environmental monitoring. In Benin, millers are highly exposed. The objective of the study was to assess the hearing health situation of grain millers in the Dantokpa market in 2020. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included by exhaustive recruitment 57 millers. The data were collected using a standardized questionnaire followed by blood pressure measurements, noise levels and the performance of audiometries. Descriptive and univariate analysis was performed. Results: The sample consisted only of men. The median age was 25 years with extremes of 18 and 50 years. Noise levels at the workstation ≥ 85 dB (A) were obtained for 94.74% of the workers. No worker was wearing hearing protection equipment. The prevalence of hearing loss was 87.72% (95% CI = [76.32%; 94.92%]) and that of occupational deafness was 29.82% (95% CI = [18.43% - 43.40%]) which was associated with age over 28 and high blood pressure. An awareness campaign with donation of hearing pads was carried out. Conclusion: Hearing loss is important among millers who do not benefit from any supervision because they are in the informal sector. A restructuring of this sector is necessary for the hearing health of workers.