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Permanent Hearing Loss among Professional Spice Grinders in an Urban Community in Southwest Nigeria

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Abstract

This study set out to determine the pattern and predictors of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among small-scale and self-employed chili pepper grinders in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. Audiological evaluation was conducted for all participants after noise level measurement. Of 136 studied, 85 (62.5%) were confirmed with slight-to-moderate NIHL. Mean age was 40.2 years, mean years spent as grinders was 9.3 years and mean hours spent daily at work was 13.3 hours. The mean age of those with NIHL was significantly higher than those without. Spending over 10 years in commercial grinding and working ≤12 hours daily were predictive of NIHL. Questionnaire-based screening using symptoms of NIHL was associated with a sensitivity of 44.7%, specificity of 62.7%, and positive predictive value of 66.7%. In conclusion, pepper grinding is associated with high/excessive noise levels and NIHL. Hearing conservation program incorporating engineering modification of locally fabricated grinders is warranted in this and similar populations in developing countries.

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Funding sources

This project was supported by Hearing Conservation Council, UK for the acquisition of diagnostic audiological instrument. All related operational expenses were funded by Hearing International Nigeria [HING], a locally registered charity. None of the sponsors was involved in the study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; the writing of the manuscript; or the decision to submit these results for publication.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

    Bolajoko O. Olusanya

  2. Department of Otolaryngology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-araba, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria

    Babatunde A. Bamigboye

  3. Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-araba, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria

    Abayomi O. Somefun

Authors
  1. Bolajoko O. Olusanya
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  2. Babatunde A. Bamigboye
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  3. Abayomi O. Somefun
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Correspondence to Bolajoko O. Olusanya.

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Olusanya, B.O., Bamigboye, B.A. & Somefun, A.O. Permanent Hearing Loss among Professional Spice Grinders in an Urban Community in Southwest Nigeria. J Urban Health 89, 185–195 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-011-9634-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-011-9634-x

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