The Relationship Between Noise Intensity and Hearing Loss In Security Workers

Abstract

Occupational noise exposure is an important risk factor for hearing loss, particularly among workers exposed to elevated noise levels over prolonged periods. To analyze the association between workplace noise intensity and hearing loss among security guards at Jatinegara Station in 2024. This analytical study used a cross-sectional design and included 38 security guards. Workplace noise intensity was measured using a sound level meter, while respondent characteristics, duration of employment, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and hearing complaints were collected using questionnaires. Associations between noise intensity, age, duration of employment, and hearing loss were analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test when expected cell counts were <5. Crude prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each comparison. Hearing loss was present in 22 of 34 workers (64.7%) exposed to noise levels ≥85 dB and 2 of 4 workers (50.0%) exposed to ≤85 dB. Fisher’s exact test showed no significant association between noise intensity and hearing loss (p=0.616; crude PR=1.29, 95% CI: 0.47–3.56). Among workers aged ≥40 years, 7 of 11 (63.6%) had hearing loss compared with 17 of 27 (62.9%) among those aged ≤40 years (p=0.970; crude PR=1.01, 95% CI: 0.59–1.72). Hearing loss occurred in 12 of 18 workers (66.7%) with ≥3 years of service and 12 of 20 (60.0%) with ≤3 years of service (p=0.681; crude PR=1.11, 95% CI: 0.68–1.80). No statistically significant associations were identified between the examined factors and hearing loss. Although the prevalence of hearing loss was numerically higher among workers exposed to ≥85 dB and those with longer employment duration, these differences were not statistically significant. The wide confidence intervals, particularly for noise exposure, indicate substantial uncertainty in the estimates, partly because of the small number of workers in the ≤85 dB exposure group. No significant association was found between noise intensity and hearing loss among security guards at Jatinegara Station. The findings should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample size and the limited number of workers in the ≤85 dB exposure group. Continued efforts to control workplace noise and improve compliance with hearing protection measures remain relevant for occupational hearing-loss prevention.

Keywords: Hearing Loss, Noise Intensity, Security Guards, Risk Factors.