Noise pollution in industries can cause a severe hearing loss in workers. This is especially prevalent in industries like construction, mining, sawmills, printing mills, crushers etc. where workers can be exposed to high level of mechanical noise. The prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in industry workers has, however, barely been studied in India. It is important to create awareness about the harmful attributes of NIHL and implement adequate training programs to educate owners, managers and workers.
Research and national programs are also needed to understand the exact prevalence of NIHL in India and thereby improve the quality of life of industry workers. Nandi SS, Dhatrak SV. Occupational noise-induced hearing loss in India. Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2008;12(2):53-6.
