Assessment of Occupational Noise Levels and Hearing Health Risks in Selected Automotive Repair Workshops in Ibadan

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable yet widely underreported health outcome in Nigerian informal workshops, where compliance with noise exposure standards is rarely enforced and personal protective equipment use is inconsistent. This study assesses noise levels and associated hearing health risks in ten randomly selected automotive repair workshops in Ibadan, Oyo State. Sound pressure level measurements were taken using a calibrated Class 2 sound level meter at operator head height during standard working activities including engine running, grinding, hammering, and pneumatic tool use. The 8-hour equivalent continuous noise level and peak noise levels were computed for each workshop environment. Assessment was conducted against the Nigeria Occupational Safety and Health Standards thresholds and the WHO 85 dBA 8-hour permissible limit. All sampled workshops exceeded the 85 dBA threshold during peak activity periods, with mean equivalent levels ranging from 87 to 97 dBA across workshop types. Grinding and pneumatic impact operations generated the highest instantaneous peak levels, reaching 114 dBA in two workshops. A structured questionnaire assessed workers' awareness of noise hazards and hearing protection practices. Only 12 percent of surveyed workers reported using hearing protection, citing discomfort and unfamiliarity as primary barriers. The study recommends regulatory enforcement, noise control engineering interventions, and mandatory health and safety training for the artisan automotive sector. Keywords: occupational noise, hearing health, automotive workshops, Ibadan, noise exposure.