P-162 a Comparative Study to Identify the Causes of High Prevalence of Ear Infections Among Workers Using Ear Plugs in a Automobile Manufacturing Unit

Introduction Need for this study was felt due to an observation was made regarding high number of ear infections among workers using ear plugs. A study was conducted to identify and establish the causes of the high prevalence of ear infections in workers using single use ear plugs compared to worker who are not using ear plugs. Methods A comparative study was done by analyzing the outpatient clinic data related to ear infections of occupational health Centre of an automobile manufacturing unit. Data related to workers reporting for problems related to ear infections was compared between workers working in a department where use of ear plugs was mandatory (due to presence of high noise in their work area) and other workers who were working in areas where use of ear plugs were not required. A detailed questionnaire containing personal, occupational and medical history was also obtained for both groups. Results There was a 05 times higher number of case of ear infection prevalent among workers using ear plugs compared to not using ear plugs. Discussion On analysis of detailed history of workers using ear plugs it was observed that most of them were using the single use ear plugs multiple times (for many days) due to lack of awareness and due to unhygienic condition of ear plugs it was leading to ear infections. Conclusion Proper training, awareness and monitoring of workers regarding use of PPE will help in prevention of occupational an infective diseases.Unhygienic PPE can cause health issues.