Auditory effect of noise exposures among commercial and non-commercial light motor vehicle drivers: A comparative cross-sectional study in Lucknow city

Context: Noise-induced hearing loss, one of the most common and preventable occupational hazard, occurs due to repeated and continuous exposure of loud noise, A single exposure of an impulse of noise at the level of 130--140 dB or long and repeated exposures to loud sounds to an average level of 85 dB or higher for an 8-h period can cause permanent loss of hearing. Aims: To study and compare hearing loss over different audiometric frequencies among autorickshaw and non-commercial institutional personal car drivers. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional comparative study conducted at a tertiary medical college, located in Lucknow during October 2017-November 2018. Methods and Materials: The sample size was calculated using EpiInfo7. We took a sample size of 300 drivers, out of which 150 three-wheeler autorickshaw drivers (Tempo), that is, group I and 150 non-commercial car drivers, that is, group II were selected. Statistical Analysis Used: For statistical analysis, "Chi-square test of independence" and student's t-tests were used. Results: The mean age at which drivers in group I and group II started work was 23.91 +/- 7.63 years an d 23.60 +/- 5.58 years, respectively. The mean hearing loss in Group I was 21.15 +/- 8.65 dB and in group II it was 13.34 +/- 5.79 dB. Conclusions: Autorickshaw drivers who were exposed to louder noise, that is, autorickshaw drivers in group I had more sensory neural hearing loss than the non-commercial car drivers, that is, group II.