THE RELATIONSHIP OF NOISE INTENSITY WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN WELDING WORKSHOP WORKERS IN BUKITTINGGI CITY

Abstract

Hearing loss resulting from noise exposure is a prevalent issue among industrial workers globally, particularly in developing countries like Indonesia. The established maximum safe threshold for human exposure is 80-84 dB. This study aims to investigate the correlation between noise intensity and hearing loss.This research employs a quantitative and analytic approach with a cross-sectional research design. The study population comprises 90 individuals, and data analysis entails the use of the chi-square statistical test. The sampling technique utilized is total sampling. The research took place at a Welding Workshop in the City of Bukittinggi, conducted between June and July.The findings revealed that among the 90 respondents, 52 individuals (57.8%) exhibited hearing loss. Upon analyzing the results, it was determined that there exists no significant correlation between noise intensity and hearing loss (p-value = 0.097). However, a relationship was identified between the duration of employment and hearing loss (p-value = 0.061). No substantial correlations were found between working hours and hearing loss (p-value = 1.000), and between the use of personal protective equipment and hearing loss (p-value = 0.212).In conclusion, this study discerned a connection between the duration of employment and hearing loss. It is recommended that workers at the welding workshop in Bukittinggi prioritize their health to prevent health issues, particularly concerning hearing-related problems