Impact of Occupational Noise Exposure on Physical and Mental Health of Water Pumping Station Operators in Lebanon

This study investigates the impact of occupational noise on the physical and mental health of 50 water pumping station operators in Lebanon. The research aimed to quantify noise exposure, assess its effects on hearing and psychological well-being, and identify contributing factors. To achieve this, this study employed several evaluation methods. Noise exposure was measured using a calibrated sound level meter to determine the average A-weighted sound pressure levels (dBA) at 52 stations, which were then compared to the 85 dBA recommended limit from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Physical health, specifically hearing ability, was assessed using a validated smartphone-based pure-tone audiometry application to measure hearing thresholds across multiple frequencies. The resulting data were used to calculate the pure-tone average (PTA) and classify hearing impairment according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Psychological health was evaluated through a structured 14-item questionnaire developed for this study, covering self-reported impacts on stress, anxiety, sleep quality, concentration, communication, and emotional state. The results indicated a hazardous work environment, with the mean noise level across stations (86.67 dBA) significantly exceeding the NIOSH safety threshold. A high prevalence of hearing impairment was observed among operators, with 88% exhibiting impairment in the worse ear. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that noise level, age, and duration of exposure were all statistically significant predictors, collectively explaining 62.3% of the variance in hearing impairment (F(3, 46) = 25.32, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The analysis further identified age as a key effect modifier; the duration of exposure was the dominant risk factor for younger workers, while the intensity of the noise level was more critical for older workers. Psychologically, workers reported a high prevalence of adverse effects, with sleep disturbances being the most common issue (reported by 75%), followed by emotional distress (67%) and anxiety (60%). This study also found a complete lack of hearing protection use and no formal training on noise hazards, highlighting significant gaps in occupational safety practices.