Simultaneous Assessment of Traffic Noise Pollution and Hearing Threshold Level of Shopkeepers in Congested Area of Behbahan in 2014

Noise pollution in cities, as a widespread and worldwide problem, can cause adverse health effects such as hearing loss. Traffic noise, as the most important source of urban noise, can influence many jobsincluding shopkeepers. The aim of this study was simultaneous assessment of traffic noise pollution and hearing threshold level of shopkeepers in congested area of Behbahan in2014.
This cross-sectional study was performed in two phases (the first phase: noise measurement and frequencies analysis in 16 high traffic squares and streets in Behbahan and the second phase: the measurement of hearing threshold of 44 male shopkeepers exposed to traffic noise) in 2014. Data analysis was performed by SPSS16 software using one-way ANOVA, one-samples t-test,and independent-samples t-test.
Noise equivalent level at all measurement stations and hours was higher than the noise allowable limits in commercial-residential areas. Maximum of sound pressure level and maximum of hearing loss in right and left ears of shopkeepers was related to the frequency of 125 Hz. The results of this study showed that 15.9%, 13.6% and 11.4% of subjects had hearing loss in right ear, left ear,and both ears, respectively.
The findings of this study show that noise pollution is high in Behbahan and considering the traffic noise is low frequency, maximum of hearing loss occurred at the frequency of 125 Hz.