Audiological profile of fishermen using fiber motor boats in Puducherry

Manibalan, Vimalraj and Ramani, Dhanesh and Bhat, Prajna J. (2025) Audiological profile of fishermen using fiber motor boats in Puducherry. International Maritime Health, 76 (1). 21 - 27. ISSN 16419251; 20813252

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Background: Fishermen face multiple occupational health risks including drowning, traumatic injuries, asphyxia, and skin allergies. Additionally, their exposure to high intensities of engine noise during fishing puts them at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Inadequate use of ear protective devices and lack of awareness further contribute to the prevalence of NIHL among fishermen. This study aims to measure the engine noise level of fiber motor boats and develop an audiological profile of fishermen in Puducherry. Materials and methods: Thirty fishermen between the ages of 20 to 45 years, who operate fiber motor boats were tested using pure-tone and speech audiometry, high-frequency audiometry, immittance audiometry, single and multifrequency tympanometry, and distortion product oto-acoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Additionally, the engine noise level of fiber motor boats was measured using a sound level meter. Results: The engine noise levels ranged from 92 dB(A) to 115 dB(A) and 81 dB(A) to 106 dB(A) at 3 feet and 6 feet distance respectively, which exceeds the permissible 90 dB(A) limit in accordance to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for 8 hours. Audiological test results indicated hearing loss primarily at 4 kHz and at higher frequencies. Single and multifrequency tympanometry results were atypical. Although Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) at standard frequencies was normal, DPOAEs were affected. Conclusion: It is crucial to educate fishermen about ear care and the use of ear protection to prevent hearing loss due to harmful noise levels. In addition, the importance of using high-frequency audiometry and oto-acoustic emissions (OAEs) for early detection of NIHL is emphasized. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Cited by: 0
Uncontrolled Keywords: acoustic impedance; adult; adverse event; audiometry; diagnosis; epidemiology; etiology; fishery; human; industrial noise; male; middle aged; Nigeria; noise injury; occupational disease; occupational exposure; pure tone audiometry; ship; young adult; Acoustic Impedance Tests; Adult; Audiometry; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Fisheries; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Noise, Occupational; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Ships; Young Adult
Subjects: Health Professions > Speech and Hearing
Divisions: Engineering and Technology > Aarupadai Veedu Institute of Technology, Chennai > Mechanical Engineering
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email techsupport@mosys.org
Date Deposited: 25 Nov 2025 11:36
Last Modified: 25 Nov 2025 11:36
URI: https://vmuir.mosys.org/id/eprint/545

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item