Abstract

The Ministry of Health Regulation No. 986/1992 regarding environmental health conditions in hospitals determines that noise levels in every room, depending on its function, must fulfil the health requirements. Rooms such as the laundry and kitchen, as well as hot and cold water supply rooms should have a maximum noise level of 78 dBA. Yet, the measurement of noise levels in those rooms showed that noise levels ranged between 80-88 dBA, thus exceeding the threshold limit. Consequently, some form of study needs to be conducted. The objectives of the study is to determine wheter there is any difference in hearing losses experienced between employees exposed to high noise levels and those who are not exposed. Result : The noise level of boiler water (exposed) 81-82 dBA was exceeded the regulation but level of unexposed was 56-58 dBA. The hearing losses on 6000 Hz frequencies based on exposed location 76,2% and 33,3% on unexposed location. Based on time exposure hearing losses exceeded of 10 years on exposed location 47,6% and 42,9% on unexposed location, however less than 10 years on exposed location 14,3% and 9,5% on unexposed location. Based on age hearing losses more than 40 years on exposed location 47,6% and 28,6% on unexposed location, but less than age 40 years on exposed location 23,8% and 14,3% on unexposed location. The frequencies of 8000 Hz based location on exposed location 76,2% and 66,7% on unexposed location. Based on time exposure hearing losses exceeded of 10 years on exposed location 52,4% and 38,1% on unexposed location, however less than 10 years on exposed location 14,3% and 9,5% on unexposed location. Based on age hearing losses more than 40 years on exposed location 42,8% and 33,3% on unexposed location, but less than age 40 years on exposed location 28,6% and 14,3% on unexposed location. Conclusion : There were a significant difference of hearing losses between the exposed and unexposed group on high frequencies and time exposure.