Murad Qadir, Rafat Murad, Abdul Azim Azmi, Omm E Hany.
Effect Of Noise Pollution On Hearing Of Rickshaw Drivers In Karachi.
Isra Med J Jan ;8(4):233-6.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of noise pollution on hearing of rickshaw drivers in Karachi. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION: This study was conducted in Karachi from 5th May - 30th June 2014. METHODOLOGY: Seventy five male subjects from different professions were selected in Group A, while one hundred and six male auto rickshaw drivers were selected in Group B. Details of sample were collected in questionnaire. Hearing tests of selected sample was conducted on low and high frequencies through Audiometery in sound proof room. Grades of hearing impairment were classified according to WHO criteria. Data was collected and compiled on SPSS version 14. RESULTS: Audiometry revealed 88 % of subjects as normal in Group A, comprised of subjects from different professions with 12 % showing mild to moderate hearing impairment both at low and high frequencies. Group B comprised of rickshaw drivers, showed 24.5 % normal subjects at low frequency and hearing impairment in 81.1% subjects (P<0.001 ) at high frequencies. There were cases of severe hearing loss among subjects in Group B but no profound hearing loss in either group. CONCLUSION: A significant hearing impairment was found in rickshaw drivers. Hearing loss among 12 % subjects from general population is also a matter of concern.

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