EFFECT OF TRAFFIC NOISE ON HEARING THRESHOLDS IN TRAFFIC POLICEMEN OF BANGALORE CITY

Objectives & Background: The Traffic policemen working near signal junctions are exposed to harmful noise of around 72 – 100db for 7 – 8 hours per day. Noise affects several physiological processes of the body including hearing. In our study we intended to record Hearing Thresholds in Traffic policemen & to test the hypothesis “Exposure to traffic Noise will reduce Hearing Thresholds”. Methodology: 30 Traffic policemen & 30 office policemen, not worked at signal junctions, were selected based on inclusion & exclusion criteria. Their Hearing Thresholds were recorded using Audiometer Results & Conclusions: The Hearing threshold for A/C in both ears were significantly high in study group for frequencies 1000, 2000, 6000Hz with ‘p’<0.05. Hearing threshold for B/C in Rt ear was significantly higher in study group at 1000, 4000Hz. Hearing threshold for B/C in Lt ear was significantly higher in study group at 1000, 2000Hz. Threshold shift (10db change) was found for A/C in both ears at 1000Hz frequency. Wear, tear and adaptive changes in hair cells are responsible for such finding.