Impact of Occupational Noise on Hearing Abilities of Cereal Millers in Katsina-Ala Metropolis, Benue State

— Noise is generally an unpleasant sound which disturbs the human being psychologically and physiologically. High levels of occupational noise remain a problem in all regions of the world and there's evidence of its increasing prevalence in the work place. This study examines the impact of occupational noise on hearing abilities of cereal millers in Katsina-ala metropolis with the purpose of assessing the extent of occupational noise pollution. Noise pollution levels within the work places and its perceived effects on the workers was monitored within the mill centers at the Katsina-Ala main market, three (3) rice mills and four (4) domestic mills in the town. Noise measurement was done according to ISO 1996-2002 using Digital Integrating Sound Level Meter, SLM (MS6702). Questionnaires were used to assess the perceived effects of the noise emanating from the mills on the workers. The mills at the market, all the domestic mills and a rice mill were found to emit hazardous noise levels LAeq, above 85dBA, while the remaining two rice mills released LAeq, 82.8 and 83.3 dBA, respectively, all exceeding WHO guidelines and local standards safe limits for noise levels within the work place, except the last two mills. Perceived effects of the noise on workers were significant. Some 28.9% complained of persistent headaches, 26.7% complained of ringing in the ears, 6.7% hearing loss and 8.9% of sleeplessness. The study found that 100% of the workers did not use any hearing protective devices against noise hazards, 31% claimed it was not available, 6.7% said it was expensive, 35.6% see no need of using any hearing protective device and 26.7% have no reason of not using the hearing protective device. It is recommended that Environmental monitoring agencies such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency should make every effort to address the high noise level in the manufacturing sector by enforcing laws regarding high level of noise in manufacturing industry like the cereal mills. Environment management agencies should intensify inspection on the quality of ear protective devices in use in the manufacturing sector and create awareness of noise and its impacts on public health and welfare to help reduce irresponsible behaviors and exposure to dangerous noise levels.