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

## TL;DR

This study shows that water pumping station workers in Lebanon face harmful noise levels, leading to hearing loss and mental health issues, and highlights the need for better safety measures.

## Contribution

This is the first study to assess occupational noise effects on the Lebanese water sector workforce, revealing critical gaps in safety policies and health protection.

## Key findings

- 88% of workers showed hearing impairment in their worse ear, with noise levels exceeding safety thresholds.
- Sleep disturbances were reported by 75% of workers, followed by emotional distress and anxiety.
- Noise exposure, age, and exposure duration were significant predictors of hearing impairment, with age modifying the risk.

## Abstract

Public health relevance—How does this work relate to a public health issue?
Exposure to occupational noise adversely affects the physical and mental health of workers in the water sector, representing a significant public health concern.Workers in the public water sector in Lebanon constitute a vital part of the Lebanese workforce, responsible for the operation of an important public service. Their health protection and safety are essential and form an integral part of the overall public health protection.

Exposure to occupational noise adversely affects the physical and mental health of workers in the water sector, representing a significant public health concern.

Workers in the public water sector in Lebanon constitute a vital part of the Lebanese workforce, responsible for the operation of an important public service. Their health protection and safety are essential and form an integral part of the overall public health protection.

Public health significance—Why is this work of significance to public health?
This study is the first to assess the effect of occupational noise on workers in the Lebanese water sector, showing a gap in safety control measures and occupational health protection policies, and providing evidence for policymakers on occupational health.The findings of this study reveal adverse effects of noise on hearing, general stress level, sleep, and cognitive behavior, addressing the need for occupational health protection measures.

This study is the first to assess the effect of occupational noise on workers in the Lebanese water sector, showing a gap in safety control measures and occupational health protection policies, and providing evidence for policymakers on occupational health.

The findings of this study reveal adverse effects of noise on hearing, general stress level, sleep, and cognitive behavior, addressing the need for occupational health protection measures.

Public health implications—What are the key implications or messages for practitioners, policymakers, and/or researchers in public health?
Lebanese policymakers can use the results to develop protective policies and implement noise reduction strategies to provide a safe working environment in water pumping stations.South Lebanon Water Establishment, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Public Health, can use the findings to implement a comprehensive monitoring program that includes regular audiometric testing and mental health screening for workers, supplemented by training and awareness programs to ensure their long-term safety.

Lebanese policymakers can use the results to develop protective policies and implement noise reduction strategies to provide a safe working environment in water pumping stations.

South Lebanon Water Establishment, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Public Health, can use the findings to implement a comprehensive monitoring program that includes regular audiometric testing and mental health screening for workers, supplemented by training and awareness programs to ensure their long-term safety.

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, p < 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.