The Relationship Between Occupational Environmental Noise Exposure and the Incidence of Tinnitus Symptoms Among Workers at X Coconut Flour Factory

Jasmine Raisa Rizky Putri; Ratih  Anindita; Muhammad Edy Syahputra  Nasution; Taya Elsa  Savista

doi:10.37899/journallamedihealtico.v7i4.5089

Jasmine Raisa Rizky Putri Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
Ratih Anindita Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
Muhammad Edy Syahputra Nasution Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
Taya Elsa Savista Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37899/journallamedihealtico.v7i4.5089

Keywords: Tinnitus, Noise Exposure, Sound Level Meter, Occupational Health, Hearing Health, Industrial Workers

Abstract

Occupational noise exposure is one of the major risk factors for hearing disorders, including tinnitus, which is characterized by the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. This condition is commonly observed among industrial workers who are continuously exposed to high-intensity noise, including those employed in coconut flour processing industries. This study aimed to analyze the association between workplace environmental noise exposure and the incidence of tinnitus symptoms among workers at X Coconut Flour Factory in Kisaran City. A cross-sectional study design was employed involving 67 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Noise intensity was measured using a Sound Level Meter (SLM), while tinnitus symptoms were assessed using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses, with the Spearman rank correlation test at a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). The results showed that 62.7% of respondents worked in environments with noise levels exceeding 85 dBA, while 56.7% experienced tinnitus symptoms. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant association between occupational noise exposure and tinnitus symptoms (r = 0.419; p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient indicated a moderate positive relationship, suggesting that higher levels of workplace noise exposure were associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing tinnitus symptoms. It can be concluded that occupational noise exposure is significantly associated with the occurrence of tinnitus symptoms among workers at X Coconut Flour Factory in Kisaran City.

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