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<p>Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a preventable occupational hazard, yet under-recognized in the hospitality sector. Bartenders are exposed to high ambient noise in pubs and bars, often exceeding safe limits, with limited awareness and use of hearing protection. To assess the prevalence of audiological symptoms and hearing loss among bartenders in Chennai, and evaluate the relationship between occupational noise exposure and hearing threshold shifts. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 bartenders aged 18–50 years with at least 6 months of experience. Data collection included pure-tone audiometry, speech recognition threshold testing, self-reported questionnaires, and environmental noise measurements. Tinnitus (71.8%), ear fullness (49.1%), and difficulty hearing in noisy settings (42.7%) were common. Audiometric evaluation revealed that 84.5% had some degree of hearing loss, predominantly mild (42.7%) and moderate (25.5%). Peak noise levels exceeded 104 dB in pubs. Significant threshold shifts were observed at frequencies ≥ 2&#xa0;kHz in high-noise exposure groups (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Tinnitus and years of bartending were positively correlated with hearing loss. Logistic regression identified age, smoking, and bartending duration as significant predictors, while hearing protection use was protective. Bartenders in high-noise environments are at substantial risk for early-onset sensorineural hearing loss. The findings emphasize the urgent need for occupational hearing conservation programs, regular audiological screening, and increased use of personal protective equipment in the hospitality industry.</p>

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Hearing Assessment in Bartenders at Chennai: A Cross-Sectional Study

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月18日

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  • D. Balaji,
  • R. B. Namasivaya Navin,
  • S. Prabakaran,
  • R. Muthukumar,
  • S. Rajasekaran,
  • K. Gowthame,
  • Sarath Kumar,
  • Srinath Selvarajan

摘要

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a preventable occupational hazard, yet under-recognized in the hospitality sector. Bartenders are exposed to high ambient noise in pubs and bars, often exceeding safe limits, with limited awareness and use of hearing protection. To assess the prevalence of audiological symptoms and hearing loss among bartenders in Chennai, and evaluate the relationship between occupational noise exposure and hearing threshold shifts. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 bartenders aged 18–50 years with at least 6 months of experience. Data collection included pure-tone audiometry, speech recognition threshold testing, self-reported questionnaires, and environmental noise measurements. Tinnitus (71.8%), ear fullness (49.1%), and difficulty hearing in noisy settings (42.7%) were common. Audiometric evaluation revealed that 84.5% had some degree of hearing loss, predominantly mild (42.7%) and moderate (25.5%). Peak noise levels exceeded 104 dB in pubs. Significant threshold shifts were observed at frequencies ≥ 2 kHz in high-noise exposure groups (p < 0.05). Tinnitus and years of bartending were positively correlated with hearing loss. Logistic regression identified age, smoking, and bartending duration as significant predictors, while hearing protection use was protective. Bartenders in high-noise environments are at substantial risk for early-onset sensorineural hearing loss. The findings emphasize the urgent need for occupational hearing conservation programs, regular audiological screening, and increased use of personal protective equipment in the hospitality industry.