The textile industry, a critical sector of the global economy, faces significant environmental and occupational health challenges, particularly from noise pollution generated by weaving machines. These machines often produce noise levels exceeding the recommended safety threshold, posing serious auditory and non-auditory health risks to workers. Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels is a leading cause of hearing loss in industrial workers, attributed to irreversible damage to cochlear sensory cells. Beyond auditory impacts, noise exposure has been linked to non-auditory effects such as cardiovascular disorders, mental health issues, and increased occupational stress. Addressing these concerns, recent studies highlight the potential of interventions like earmuffs in mitigating hearing loss and reducing stress among textile workers, emphasizing the importance of protective measures in enhancing workplace safety and well-being.
This study utilized a validated and reliable questionnaire-based approach to evaluate hearing loss complaints and subjective stress among textile workers exposed to high-intensity noise. Hearing loss complaints were measured using a 14-item questionnaire adapted from Devina et al. (2021), while subjective stress was assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), a tool designed to gauge psychological distress in adults. Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test in SPSS 23 to compare the mean scores of hearing loss complaints and subjective stress between the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG) over six days.
The results showed no statistically significant impact of earmuff use on hearing loss complaints from the first to the sixth day (p > 0.05), despite a gradual increase in mean scores after the intervention. Conversely, subjective stress levels demonstrated a significant increase during the intervention period (p < 0.05), suggesting a potential psychological response to the intervention. Figure 1 highlights a negative trend in reducing average scores for both hearing loss complaints and subjective stress during the second to sixth days compared to baseline measurements. These findings indicate limited efficacy of earmuffs in addressing hearing loss complaints while emphasizing the complex interplay between physical and psychological factors in managing workplace noise exposure.
In conclusion, this study highlights the limitations of using earmuffs as a sole intervention to mitigate the impacts of high-intensity noise in the textile industry. Despite their widespread use, earmuffs were not effective in significantly reducing hearing loss complaints or subjective stress, with a negative trend observed during the intervention period. These findings align with previous research emphasizing that personal protective equipment (PPE), while necessary, serves only as a temporary and often uncomfortable solution.
For a more sustainable approach, administrative controls, such as regulating working hours and implementing task rotations, should be prioritized in accordance with Indonesian labor regulations. Additionally, engineering controls, including the installation of sound-absorbing materials in noisy work environments, offer a more effective and worker-friendly solution for noise management. Future studies should explore these alternatives further to provide comprehensive strategies for minimizing noise exposure and safeguarding worker health while maintaining productivity in industrial settings.
Author: Tofan Agung Eka Prasetya, S.Kep., M.KKK., Ph.D.
Reference:
Setyawan, H., Qadrijati, I., Fajariani, R., Rahma, R. A. A., & Prasetya, T. A. E. (2024). The Effect of Using Earmuffs on Hearing Loss Complaints and Subjective Stress: A Quasi-Experimental Study among Weaving Workers in Surakarta, Indonesia. Indonesian Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 13(2), 163-172. https://doi.org/10.20473/ijosh.v13i2.2024.163-172
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