Assessment of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) of Mine Workers in a Bauxite Mine Using Fuzzy Logic

Abstract

Noise induced hearing loss is a noticeable problem in mining industry and is mainly caused due to constant exposure to noise. In this paper, an attempt has been made to conduct audiometry survey of 200 mine workers of a major bauxite mine of Odisha, India. Data of miners exposed to noise (≥ 85 dB A) were included and tested for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) by using Digital Audiometer. Audiometry results showed that 2.3% miners were affected by NIHL in the age group of 38 to 55 years. Further a Graphical User Interface (GUI) model was developed to predict NIHL by using noise level, frequency and exposure to noise. GUI model showed that the high level of exposure to noise is directly proportional to percentage of NIHL.