Audiological Symptoms Experienced by Taxi Drivers at Two Taxi Ranks in Johannesburg, South Africa.

BACKGROUND

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is among the most common occupational health conditions worldwide. In South Africa, thousands of informal taxi drivers are chronically exposed to high traffic and environmental noise; however, data on their hearing health, awareness of audiology or access to hearing conservation programmes are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated occupational noise exposure, auditory and nonauditory symptoms, knowledge of hearing risks and health-seeking behaviours among minibus taxi drivers in Johannesburg.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, quantitative design was used. Eighty-six male taxi drivers completed structured questionnaires on demographics, work history, exposure, symptoms, knowledge and health-seeking behaviour. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression.

RESULTS

All participants were male. Most firstly, encountered occupational noise between the ages 20 and 30 and worked 12-16 hours daily, with 16-37 years of cumulative exposure. Tinnitus (64%) and hearing difficulties (40%) were the most common, with 78% noticing hearing changes during peak hours. Noise exposure was significantly associated with tinnitus, hearing difficulties, diabetes, perceived hearing changes and the belief that noise affects work. Logistic regression identified tinnitus [odds ratio (OR) = 1634] and hearing difficulties (OR = 166) as the strongest predictors of hearing change. Only 27% had undergone hearing testing, and over half were unaware of audiologists' roles. Knowledge of hearing risks and audiology was linked to high testing uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Johannesburg taxi drivers are at high risk for NIHL because of chronic exposure, long shifts and lack of protective measures. Limited awareness of audiology and poor health-seeking behaviour further increase vulnerability.