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OCCUPATIONAL NOISE EXPOSURE AND ITS IMPACT ON HEARING AMONG GRAIN MILLERS IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

ABSTRACT
Noise exposure at work is still a leading cause of ill-health, especially in small-scale grain mills that use obsolete
machinery. Occupational noise exposure among grain mills in selected markets located in North-Central Nigeria
namely, Ago Saraki Market (Kwara State), Kure Market (Niger State), and Gwagwalada Market (FCT Abuja) was
evaluated in this study to determine its effect on the hearing of the millers and recommend mitigation strategies. A
total of 165 grain mill employees from 62 milling shops were interviewed with structured questionnaires, and noise
measurement took place with a calibrated sound level instrument. The noise level at all milling locations exceeded the
recommended occupational exposure limit of 85 dB(A). The highest average noise level was reported by Kwara State
at 101.4 dB(A) and the highest peak at 112.8 dB(A) with a mean of 95.9 dB(A) in Abuja. 47.3% suffered temporary
hearing loss and 56.4% suffered ear-ringing (tinnitus) after their shifts. Majority of the miller 97% had no personal
protective equipment and 95.2% had never undergone a hearing test. Statistical analysis showed a strong association
between noise exposure with hearing loss (P < 0.001), while parameter such age and sex revealed no notable effect
on hearing impairment. These observations underscore the need for urgent action like strict noise regulations and
enforcement, provision of protective equipment, and enhanced education of workers on hearing protection. Improving
equipment as well as noise control measures could significantly minimize exposure as well as the risk to the health of
grain millers in Nigeria.
Keyword: Occupational Noise; Particulate Matter; Grain Millers; Lung Function; Hearing Loss; Tinnitus