Illustration of noise impacting hearing, with protective earmuffs.

Is Your Workplace Too Loud? Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and Prevention

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the risks of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among airport workers and learn how to protect your hearing in noisy environments."

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant occupational hazard, affecting individuals exposed to excessive noise levels over extended periods. This condition arises from damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to irreversible hearing impairment. The aviation industry, particularly airport environments, presents a high-risk setting due to constant exposure to aircraft engines, ground support equipment, and other noise sources.

A recent study conducted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed to determine the prevalence and socio-demographic attributes of NIHL among airport workers. The findings shed light on the extent of the problem and highlight specific groups at higher risk.

This article will delve into the study's key findings, exploring the prevalence of NIHL among JKIA workers, identifying vulnerable groups, and discussing practical prevention strategies to protect your hearing in noisy work environments.

Key Findings: Who's at Risk for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Illustration of noise impacting hearing, with protective earmuffs.

The study at JKIA revealed that 15.3% of the workers interviewed suffered from NIHL. This highlights a substantial risk within this occupational setting, emphasizing the need for proactive hearing conservation measures.

Researchers identified several factors that increase the risk of developing NIHL:

Job Category: Ground crew members, particularly those working on the airside ramp, faced a higher risk compared to air crew. This is likely due to their proximity to noisy ground equipment and aircraft during take-off and landing.
Age: Older workers (50 years and above) exhibited a significantly higher risk of hearing loss compared to their younger counterparts (20-29 years). This suggests that the cumulative effect of noise exposure over time plays a crucial role.
Duration of Exposure: Workers exposed to noise for more than 10 years were at greater risk of developing hearing loss at 4kHz, a frequency highly susceptible to noise damage.
Gender: Male workers exhibited a higher prevalence of NIHL compared to female workers (ratio of 4:3).

The study also categorized the severity of hearing loss among affected workers, with most cases falling into the mild hearing loss category (66%) and moderate hearing loss (19%).

Protecting Your Hearing: Practical Steps for Prevention

The JKIA study reinforces the importance of implementing comprehensive hearing conservation programs in noisy workplaces. NIHL is preventable with the right strategies. Key components of an effective program include:

<ul><li>Noise Assessments: Regularly measure noise levels in different work areas to identify high-risk zones.</li><li>Hearing Protection: Provide workers with appropriate hearing protection devices (earplugs, earmuffs) and ensure they are properly fitted and used.</li><li>Education and Training: Educate workers about the risks of NIHL, how to use hearing protection, and the importance of regular hearing tests.</li><li>Audiometric Testing: Conduct regular hearing tests (audiograms) to monitor workers' hearing and detect early signs of hearing loss.</li><li>Engineering Controls: Implement engineering controls to reduce noise levels at the source, such as using quieter equipment or creating noise barriers.</li></ul>

By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, employers and employees can work together to prevent noise-induced hearing loss and create a safer, healthier work environment.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4314/eamj.v87i2.60599, Alternate LINK

Title: Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among Workers At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: East African Medical Journal

Publisher: African Journals Online (AJOL)

Authors: J.O Anino, A Afullo, F Otieno

Published: 2010-10-06

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and why is it a concern in the workplace?

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a type of hearing loss that occurs due to exposure to excessive noise levels. It's caused by damage to the hair cells within the inner ear. In the context of the workplace, especially at airports, NIHL is a significant occupational hazard. The study at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shows a substantial percentage of workers affected, highlighting the importance of prevention.

What are the primary risk factors for Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), according to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) study?

At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), several factors increase the risk of Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). These include job category (ground crew members are at higher risk), age (older workers over 50 are more susceptible), duration of exposure (those exposed for more than 10 years are at greater risk), and gender (male workers have a higher prevalence). The findings of the study provide valuable insights into who is most vulnerable, aiding in targeted prevention efforts.

Why are ground crew members at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) more likely to experience Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) than air crew?

Ground crew members at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) are at a higher risk of Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) compared to air crew. This is primarily because ground crew members are often closer to loud equipment and aircraft, especially during take-off and landing. Their constant exposure to high noise levels makes them more vulnerable to the damage that causes NIHL.

What are the key steps that can be taken to protect workers from Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)?

Implementing comprehensive hearing conservation programs is vital in preventing Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). These programs typically include regular hearing tests, the use of personal protective equipment (like earplugs or earmuffs), noise monitoring to assess sound levels, and providing education and training to workers about the risks of NIHL and how to protect their hearing. The study at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) reinforces the need for these programs in noisy workplaces.

What were the severity levels of hearing loss among workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) who experienced Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)?

The study at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) categorized the severity of hearing loss among the workers. Most cases of Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) fell into the mild (66%) and moderate (19%) categories. This means that while many workers experienced hearing loss, the majority had relatively less severe forms. However, even mild hearing loss can impact quality of life, making prevention efforts crucial.