Occupational Noise Exposure, Hearing Loss, and Quality of Life Among Industrial Workers in Aba, Abia State: An Empirical Investigation

While the association between occupational noise exposure and hearing loss is well established, the downstream effect of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Nigerian industrial workers warrants empirical investigation. This study assessed noise exposure levels, audiometric hearing loss prevalence, and HRQoL outcomes among industrial workers in Aba, Abia State, South East Nigeria. An analytical cross-sectional design was used, with 320 workers recruited from plastics, metal processing, and textile industries via stratified random sampling. Personal noise dosimetry, pure-tone audiometry, and the WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument were administered to all participants. Mean personal noise exposure was 93.4 dB(A) TWA, significantly exceeding the 85 dB(A) threshold. Audiometrically confirmed NIHL was present in 47.5 percent of participants. WHOQOL-BREF domain scores were significantly lower in workers with NIHL compared to those with normal hearing across physical, psychological, and social domains (p less than 0.001). Regression analysis demonstrated that NIHL severity, tenure above 10 years, and non-use of hearing protection were independent predictors of reduced HRQoL. This study contributes empirically to the literature by quantifying the quality of life burden associated with occupational NIHL in a Nigerian industrial context and recommends comprehensive noise conservation programs, audiometric surveillance, and HRQoL monitoring as integrated occupational health responses. Keywords: noise-induced hearing loss, quality of life, industrial workers, audiometry, Abia State.