Effects of occupation on hearing in older adults: A Sri Lankan perspective

Background Hearing impairment is an important global public health concern and is the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. Older adults with hearing impairment experience communication difficulties and poor quality of life. By definition, “Hearing impairment” is the inability to hear sound levels between − 10 dB and 25 dB in Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA). This study aimed to determine the occupational factors associated with hearing impairment among older adults aged ≥ 65 years in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Methods A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of older adults aged ≥ 65 years (N = 900) selected from households in 36 Grama Niladhari divisions within the Colombo district. Older adults who were cognitively impaired, had symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), and had cerumen impaction identified by auroscopic examination were excluded from the study. Hearing impairment was assessed using a validated Portable Screening Audiometer (PSA) test and an interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess occupational factors associated with hearing impairment. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the occupational factors associated with hearing impairment. Results The prevalence of hearing impairment was 52.7% (95% CI: 51.8–53.5), with hearing impairment in one or both ears. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with hearing impairment. Older adults who reported exposure to noise from loud machines (adjusted OR, 1.86; 95%CI: 1.67–4.08, p = 0.02), exposure to noise from sewing machines (adjusted OR,2.93, 95% CI:1.86–4.26, p = 0.01), and exposure to chemicals such as thinners and cleaning agents for > 6 h/day for 5 years or more (adjusted OR, 1.3,95%CI: 1.8–3.68, p < 0.05) were associated with hearing impairment after controlling for the effects of other factors. Conclusions Work-related factors associated with hearing impairment were interrelated to work exposures and were modifiable with appropriate interventions to reduce exposure.