TITLE:
Clinical and Audiometric Profile and Factors Associated with Hearing Loss in a Brewery in Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Rose Mikponhoué, Sandrine Kemeze, Mênonli Adjobimey, Pulcherie Siewe, Louis Pokam, Audrey Tchieji, Paul Ayélo, Vikkey Hinson
KEYWORDS:
Prevalence, Associated Factors, Hearing Impairment, Brewing Company, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine,
Vol.13 No.4,
September
26,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and audiometric profiles and the factors associated with hearing disorders in workers exposed to noise in two plants of a brewery company in Cameroon in 2024. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical aims, conducted over a period of two (02) months from June 01, 2024, to July 31, 2024. It included all workers exposed to noise in the company’s factories who agreed to take part in the study. They underwent a clinical examination and baseline tonal audiometry. Data analysis was performed using R software version 5.3. The Chi 2 test was used to compare variables at a significance level of 5%. Results: A total of 353 workers, 335 of whom were men (94.90%), were included, giving a sex ratio of 18.61. The mean age of the workers was 40 ± 9.7 years. The average duration of noise exposure was 12.4 years. Workstation noise levels ranged from 80 to 111 dB (A). The prevalence of hearing impairment was 6%. Mild mixed hearing loss (MMS) was the most common anomaly, accounting for 45.45% of cases. Factors associated with hearing loss in workers were: age > 40 years (p = 0.005; OR = 7.2 [2.2 - 23.5]) and company seniority between 15 and 20 years (p = 0.017; OR = 5.86 [1.1 - 29.2]). Conclusion: Hearing disorders are a significant reality in the industrial world. Reinforcing preventive measures remains the best option for reducing the prevalence of hearing impairment among them.