Community Regulation in Noise Control Towards Less Noise City

Introduction

The hearing is an important sense for individuals in carrying out daily activities. The sound is a part that inseparable from the listening process. In everyday life, a loud voice is harmful to hearing even if it is only briefly expelled. The sound affects the sensitive structures in the inner ear that cause sensory hearing loss. Long exposure to noise can become permanent and commonly known as Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) [1, 2]. Initially, the condition is temporary but if left will become permanent. NIHL can be prevented from using protective devices such as earplugs, ear muffs, helmets, or other protective devices that can prevent excessive exposure [3, 4]. The problem encountered in the community is to apply for proper ear protection against noise exposure Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations the allowed noise at work is 85 dB for 8 hours [5]. In Indonesia, it has been regulated in accordance with Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 70 of 2016 on Industrial Health Working Environment Standards and Requirements concerning noise level threshold. There are several studies that identify noise in some public locations such as in vocational high schools, tourist attractions, entertainment venues, workplaces, highways, and hospitals. Noise at that location averages above the set tolerance limit [6, 7, 8]. East Java is one of the fastest growing provinces of tenure and industry in Indonesia. Many potential locations are sources of noise. Because at this time, there is no sufficient data related to hearing the loss in some noise locations to serve as the foundation to realize the city safety free from noise. Thus, the researchers aimed to identify the level of noise and hearing levels of the community in some noisy locations.

Methods and Materials

This study uses analytic observational designs taken at vocational high schools, tourist attractions, entertainment venues, workplaces, highways, and hospitals. The number of subjects taken in audiometric measurements by100 students who participated from East Java police schools taken before and after training fired weapons, 74 students from vocational schools, and 58 workers from noisy environments, water pumps, boilers, kitchens, incinerators and workshops at Dr. Soetomo Hospital Surabaya, Indonesia. The measurement of noise using Sound Level Meter and hearing level using Audiometry.

Discussion

Currently, excessive noise is increasing rapidly along with technological developments and busy environments. This poses a risk to the deterioration of individual hearing functions that are in the vicinity of the environment. If left unchecked it will cause other systemic problems. The number of NIHL patients will increase if existing regulations are not implemented [9]. The NIHL case should be prevented optimally. Workplace noise issues, public places, and recreation areas need to be given special attention when sound pollution occurs. In Indonesia already has regulation related to industrial work environment standard and requirement of health concerning noise level threshold. In the implementation in the community is still not optimal so it needs to be done an evaluation of the legislation related to the limits of the noise level of a region. Most countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) have adopted a special law aimed at reducing noise including intensity, frequency, and duration in an area/city that can harm society [10]. This study proves the tendency of exposure to excessive noise in public and work areas. The data collected showed that exposure to high-dose daily noise at the site. According to the rules of prolonged exposure to noise that sounds louder than 85 dB is potentially harmful. The negative effect usually occurs at a frequency of 4000 Hz in the high-frequency area of the cochlea. The effect of the impulse noise is different from the continuing noise associated with its duration. Acoustic reflex triggered when exposed to noise more than 90 dB. This mechanism provides partial protection to the inner ear to continue, but not for high-intensity sound impulses. Noise during the practice of firing a shotgun can penetrate the cochlea before the acoustic reflex is activated. The condition is associated with acoustic trauma and noise of more than 140 dB causes permanent and irreversible hearing loss [10, 11].

Prevention and conservation assistance programs need to be implemented according to the regulations. OSHA set about allowable noise exposure of only 8 hours each day with an intensity of 85 dB. The presence of disorders in this study indicates more than just the allowable dose limits. This evidence demonstrates the need to apply Hearing Conservation Progam (HCP) at work, noisy environments, hospitals, and schools. The following programs of effective HCP include noise monitoring, engineering control, administrative control, worker education, selection, and use of Hearing Protection devices (HPDs), and periodic audiometric evaluations. HPDs should be able to reduce worker exposure to tolerable noise or permissible exposure level (PEL) [12].

There is no sign of danger for noise increase in noisy environments. Some information is given to protect people from the noise heard. Includes information about the noise level, the time allowed to live or work around the place and notify the noise hazard to educate the public. Promoting the Goals of Sound Hearing 2030 requires a strategy to reduce 90% of preventable hearing loss by 2030. To achieve this, comprehensive cooperation with all parties, such as the Government, the Ministry of Health, and non-governmental organizations and community participation is required. Implementation of pollution prevention regulations in the community can be achieved by optimizing the role of urban health and safety programs for inadequate noise [13]. Important points for achieving that goal with community education, publicizing through the media, parades using noise- related, media promotion in the community. Working together to help manage the city's noise pollution levels with organizations for the prevention of hearing and hearing loss, such as deaf management (National Committee of PGPKT) committees to coordinate activities with local committees in the situation [14].

Based on the regulation, the industry noise level is 70 dB, Noise at the hospital/residence and in school is 55 dB. This was indicating that in this study indicates excessive noise levels. That is evidence related to the trend of increasing the potential of people exposed to noise. Some educational materials on the noise hazard need to be provided to increase public awareness in the community.

Conclusion

There is consistency in the implementation of hearing conservation programs based on national regulations is still remain a problem. First, there is a need for urgent hearing prevention programs in the NIHL risk population from the occupational noise and recreational effects. Second, provides the necessary information to properly use the hearing protection device. Third, the at-risk population should have protection from deteriorating hearing levels with regular hearing tests and baseline data previously recorded. Lastly, record and report the NIHL prevalence that required for the evaluation of safety regulations