Assessing the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and among Buddhist monks and nuns in monastic institutions in Thimphu, Bhutan: a cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47811/Keywords:
Bhutan; Monks; Noise-induced hearing loss; Nuns; Pure tone audiometry.Abstract
Introduction: Noise-induced hearing loss remains underestimated. It is common in factories and in the military due to exposure to loud noise. In Buddhist institutions, various ritual instruments are used daily. Monks and nuns are exposed to different levels of noise in varying frequencies with varying durations, thus predisposing them to noise-induced hearing loss. The existing literature reveals no studies done on noise-induced hearing loss among monks and nuns in Buddhist institutions. Therefore, it is vital to study the prevalence of hearing loss in this group so that appropriate interventions can be implemented.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed among Buddhist monks and nuns in monastic institutions in Thimphu, Bhutan.
Results: This study revealed the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among monks and nuns in monastic institutions to be at 12.34% and a statistically significant association was noted between noise-induced hearing loss and duration of stay in monastic institutions (P=0.01).
Conclusion: Monks and nuns are at an increased risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss, and the duration of ritual noise exposure was strongly correlated to the prevalence and severity of the exposure, articulating the cruciality of preventive and rehabilitation measures.
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Copyright (c) 2015 Sonam Tobgay, Sonam Jamtsho, Tika Ram Adhikari, Pelden Wangchuk
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