Physiological Impact of Noise Pollution on Hearing Threshold and Blood Pressure Among Generator Users in Enugu Urban

Chronic exposure to generator noise is a widespread occupational and domestic hazard in Nigeria, given the prevalent reliance on petrol-powered generators due to unreliable electricity supply. This study assessed the physiological impact of generator noise on hearing threshold levels and blood pressure among adults in Enugu urban, Enugu State, South East Nigeria. One hundred adults with daily generator exposure of at least four hours for the past two years were compared with 50 low-exposure controls. Audiometric assessment measured pure-tone hearing thresholds at standard frequencies from 500 to 8000 Hz. Blood pressure was measured using a validated digital sphygmomanometer after a ten-minute rest period. Noise levels at participants' generator locations were measured with a sound level meter. Unpaired t-tests and correlation analysis were applied. Results showed that noise-exposed participants had significantly elevated hearing thresholds at high frequencies, with 29 percent demonstrating noise-induced hearing loss patterns. Blood pressure was also significantly higher in the high-exposure group. Both hearing loss and blood pressure were positively correlated with daily exposure duration. The study concludes that generator noise constitutes a measurable physiological hazard in Enugu urban. Public awareness campaigns on noise limits, generator enclosures, and routine audiometric screening are recommended. Keywords: noise pollution, hearing threshold, blood pressure, generator, Enugu.