Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an irreversible sensorineural hearing loss associated with exposure to high levels of
excessive noise. Prevention measures are not well established in developing countries. This comparative cross sectional
study aims to determine the prevalence of hearing loss in both a group of high risk workers and a control group and
to assess their knowledge of the effects of noise on hearing health. A total of 101 market mill workers and 103 controls
employed within markets in the city of Accra, Ghana, were evaluated using a structured questionnaire and pure tone
audiometry. The questionnaire assessed factors including self-reported hearing loss, tinnitus, knowledge on the effects of
noise on hearing health and the use of hearing protective devices. Pure tone audiometric testing was conducted for both
mill workers and controls. Noise levels at the work premises of the mill workers and controls were measured. Symptoms
of hearing loss were reported by 24 (23.76%) and 8 (7.7%) mill workers and controls respectively. Fifty-fi ve (54.5%) and
fi fty-four (52.37%) mill workers and controls exhibited knowledge of the effects of noise on hearing health. Five (5.0%)
mill workers used hearing protective devices. There was signifi cant sensorineural hearing loss and the presence of a
4 kHz audiometric notch among mill workers when compared with controls for the mean thresholds of 2 kHz, 3 kHz
and 4 kHz (P = 0. 001). The prevalence of hearing loss in the better hearing ears of the mill workers and controls was
24.8% and 4.8% respectively (P < 0.5). The prevalence of hearing loss, which may be characteristic of NIHL in the better
hearing ears of the mill workers and controls was 24.8% and 4.8% respectively. The majority of mill workers did not
use hearing protection.