Study of Occupational Noise Level: A Case Study from a Developing Country, Nigeria

Levels of noise generated from mechanic villages within Kaduna metropolis, (Nigeria) were measured in the present study. Existing noise generation sources and analysis were carried out. Noise level (maximum of 120dB) was measured at these sites. Noise dose of 104.30% and hearing deterioration index of 55.15 were obtained. It is observed that the noise generated at these sites is a mixture of low and high frequencies. This is capable of causing temporary and permanent deafness in addition to inflict high level of interference of speech as well as capable of causing increase in the rate of heartbeat. It is also observed that the noise generated by these sources is aperiodic, that is, not sinusoidal, they are cumulative and can lead to step waves.