Exploring the prevalence and risk factors of noise-induced hearing loss among electronics manufacturing workers : A qualitative perspective

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is still one of the most significant problems in occupational health worldwide, but little attention has been paid to the electronics manufacturing sector, which has moderate but continuous noise exposure. This study investigated the prevalence of NIHL in electronics manufacturing employees and assessed the occupational risk factors of job functions, tenure, and exposure to noise. A qualitative descriptive approach was utilized that was supplemented by audiometric testing and verification by an Occupational Health Doctor (OHD). Out of 500 employees, 12 workers were identified as being exposed to noise levels greater than 85 dB(A) and 5 were found to have NIHL. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 4 out of the 5 workers to elicit perceived NIHL contributing factors. A descriptive approach was employed to analyze the audiometric data, whereas the data from the interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the participants exhibited a common tendency to normalize their exposure to noise. Moreover, participants experienced a significant delay in recognizing the early symptoms of NIHL. Impaired noise exposure influenced the participant’s ability to concentrate and communicate, as well as their overall health and well-being. However, participants have enhanced their self-awareness regarding their hearing health due to audiometric testing. Of the participants, operators experienced continuous noise exposure while spotty exposure to noise was reported by the engineers. The main contributing risk factors were long tenure, equipment degradation, poor compliance to PPE, discomfort, and lack of organizational control. Frequent, hands-on, and task specific training is reported by employees to be more effective. These reports also emphasize the need for improved engineering controls, more effective management of PPE, and more training and supervisory oversight. Overall, the findings of this study can facilitate better planning and implementation of hearing conservation programs for the electronics manufacturing industry