Noise induced hearing loss among artillery soldiers

ABSTRACT

To determine whether there is a significant difference in hearing threshold of artillery soldiers and non artillery soldiers. A cross sectional comparative study. This study was done at Khyber Rifles Hospital Landikotal over four months time from 10th September 2009 to 31st December 2009. Study group comprised sixty males thirty of whom were engaged in firing of artillery guns and thirty with sedentary jobs. Pure tone Audiometry [PTA] was done for all sixty individuals. Average hearing loss in speech frequencies was statistically more in individuals who were actively involved in firing of artillery guns. [P<0.001] Adequate protection and training should be imparted to individuals involved in firing of artillery guns