Noise-induced Hearing Loss among Patients Requiring Pure Tone Audiometry Evaluation in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Noise-induced hearing loss is a type of sensorineural hearing loss caused by longterm exposure to loud noise. This study provides insight into hearing loss problems the general population faces. The study aimed to find out the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among patients needing pure tone audiometry evaluation in a tertiary care centre. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 January 2021 to 30 July 2021 among patients requiring pure tone audiometry evaluation in the outpatient Department of Otorhinolaryngology in a tertiary care centre. The study was conducted after ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 2812202001). Pure tone audiometry was used to diagnose noise-induced hearing loss. Convenience sampling was done. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. RESULTS: Out of 690 patients, 14 (2.02%) (0.97-3.06, 95% Confidence Interval) were diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among patients requiring pure tone audiometry evaluation was similar to other studies conducted in similar settings.