Impact of Occupational Noise Exposure on Physical and Mental Health of Water Pumping Station Operators in Lebanon.

Mean noise levels at water pumping stations significantly exceeded the NIOSH safety threshold of 85 dBA.

• Noise exposure was measured using a calibrated sound level meter at 52 stations.
• The mean noise level across stations was 86.67 dBA.
• This exceeded the 85 dBA recommended limit from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
• The study population consisted of 50 water pumping station operators in Lebanon.

A high prevalence of hearing impairment was observed among water pumping station operators.

• 88% of operators exhibited hearing impairment in the worse ear.
• Hearing ability was assessed using a validated smartphone-based pure-tone audiometry application.
• Hearing thresholds were measured across multiple frequencies.
• The pure-tone average (PTA) was calculated and hearing impairment classified according to WHO standards.

Noise level, age, and duration of exposure were all statistically significant predictors of hearing impairment.

• A multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of hearing impairment.
• These three factors collectively explained 62.3% of the variance in hearing impairment.
• The model was statistically significant: F(3, 46) = 25.32, p < 0.001.
• Age was identified as a key effect modifier in the relationship between exposure factors and hearing impairment.

The dominant risk factor for hearing impairment differed by age group, with duration of exposure more critical for younger workers and noise intensity more critical for older workers.

• Age was identified as a key effect modifier in the regression analysis.
• Duration of exposure was the dominant risk factor for younger workers.
• Intensity of noise level was more critical for older workers.
• This interaction was identified through the multiple linear regression analysis.

Workers reported a high prevalence of adverse psychological effects attributable to occupational noise exposure.

• Psychological health was evaluated through a structured 14-item questionnaire developed for the study.
• The questionnaire covered self-reported impacts on stress, anxiety, sleep quality, concentration, communication, and emotional state.
• Sleep disturbances were the most commonly reported issue, affecting 75% of workers.
• Emotional distress was reported by 67% of workers, and anxiety by 60% of workers.

There was a complete lack of hearing protection use and no formal training on noise hazards among the operators.

• No workers reported using hearing protection devices.
• No formal training on noise hazards was provided to operators.
• These findings highlight significant gaps in occupational safety practices at water pumping stations in Lebanon.