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<p>Fishing communities face substantial occupational hearing risks from engine noise exposure and diving-related middle ear barotrauma. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hearing loss and middle ear dysfunction among fishermen in coastal areas of Chennai and examine associations between occupational exposures and auditory outcomes. This cross-sectional study examined 284 male fishermen aged 20–60 years from Chennai fishing harbours between June to August 2025. Pure tone audiometry and tympanometry assessed hearing function and middle ear status. Noise exposure levels were measured aboard fishing vessels. Chi-square test analyzed associations between occupational factors and hearing outcomes. statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05. Among the study participants, the prevalence of hearing loss (pure tone average &gt; 25 dB HL at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4&#xa0;kHz) was 24.6%. Middle ear dysfunction was identified in over 20% of participants using tympanometry. Older age (&gt; 40 years), longer fishing experience (&gt; 15 years), mechanized motorized vessel use, and daily noise exposure exceeding 12&#xa0;h were significantly associated with hearing impairment (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). No significant association was observed between hearing loss and diving activity or smoking status. Substantial hearing impairment and middle ear dysfunction prevalence among Chennai fishermen necessitates targeted hearing conservation programs and occupational health interventions.</p>

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Exploring the Waves and the Ears: Middle Ear Function and Hearing Among Fishermen in Coastal Region of Chennai, India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月26日

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

摘要

Fishing communities face substantial occupational hearing risks from engine noise exposure and diving-related middle ear barotrauma. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hearing loss and middle ear dysfunction among fishermen in coastal areas of Chennai and examine associations between occupational exposures and auditory outcomes. This cross-sectional study examined 284 male fishermen aged 20–60 years from Chennai fishing harbours between June to August 2025. Pure tone audiometry and tympanometry assessed hearing function and middle ear status. Noise exposure levels were measured aboard fishing vessels. Chi-square test analyzed associations between occupational factors and hearing outcomes. statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Among the study participants, the prevalence of hearing loss (pure tone average > 25 dB HL at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) was 24.6%. Middle ear dysfunction was identified in over 20% of participants using tympanometry. Older age (> 40 years), longer fishing experience (> 15 years), mechanized motorized vessel use, and daily noise exposure exceeding 12 h were significantly associated with hearing impairment (p < 0.05). No significant association was observed between hearing loss and diving activity or smoking status. Substantial hearing impairment and middle ear dysfunction prevalence among Chennai fishermen necessitates targeted hearing conservation programs and occupational health interventions.