Assessment of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) of mine workers in a bauxite mine using fuzzy logic

Abstract

Noise induced hearing loss is a noticeable problem in mining industry and is mainly caused due to constant exposure to noise. Frequent exposures to loud machinery, over a prolonged period of time, present severe risks to human hearing. In surveys conducted by the DGMS/investigators, it was found that noise levels in majority of the mining operations were higher than the recommended limit of 85 dB (A). In this paper, an attempt has been made to conduct audiometry survey of 200 mine workers of a major bauxite mine of Odisha, India. Data of miners exposed to noise (? 85 dB A) were included and tested for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) by using Digital Audiometer. Audiometry results showed that 2.3% miners were affected by NIHL in the age group of 38 to 55 years. Further a GUI model was developed to predict NIHL by using noise level, frequency and exposure to noise. GUI model showed that the high level of exposure to noise is directly proportional to percentage of NIHL. � 2015 by ASME.