Hearing Loss Among Truck Drivers: A Study

Lucknow: The ongoing noise from engines, honking horns, and heavy traffic is significantly affecting the hearing abilities of long-distance truck drivers. A recent study revealed that over half of the drivers assessed exhibited signs of hearing impairment, even in their stronger ear.

This investigation, featured in the January-February 2025 edition of Noise & Health, was conducted by Anupam Mehrotra (AKTU), Sheo P. Shukla (Rajkiya Engineering College Banda), and Professor Manish K. Manar (KGMU).

The research involved pure tone audiometry tests on 200 male long-haul truck drivers in Lucknow. The findings indicated that 50.5% of participants had hearing loss in their better ear. Notably, the right ear was more affected in 73.5% of the cases (147 drivers), while 14% (28 drivers) experienced loss in both ears, and 12.5% (25 drivers) in the left ear. Professor Manar suggested that this may be due to the right ear being closer to the window during driving.

At a frequency of 4000 Hz, which is often the first frequency impacted by Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), 84% of right ears exhibited abnormal thresholds. Lead author Anupam Mehrotra pointed out that normal hearing is typically from 0 to 25 decibels (dB), with the average threshold being 32.61 dB in the right ear and 28.66 dB in the left ear, both surpassing the normal range.

Several risk factors were identified, including inadequate sleep, extensive driving experience, and age. Drivers who sleep less than six hours or have over a decade of driving experience experienced more significant damage. Those aged over 40 encountered aggravated age-related effects. Researcher Arvind K. Shukla noted that lifestyle choices such as poor sleep and alcohol consumption heighten vulnerability.

Although prior studies in India concentrated on car and auto-rickshaw drivers, the focus on truckers—who are exposed to prolonged noise—has been limited. Mehrotra stated, “This is among the first major studies on hearing loss in Indian truck drivers,” emphasizing the need for awareness and action from transport firms and health authorities.

The research team recommends regular hearing assessments, the use of earplugs or noise-canceling devices, awareness campaigns, and improved working conditions to mitigate fatigue. “Our truck drivers are essential to the economy,” Mehrotra concluded. “Ensuring their hearing is preserved is crucial for their health and the nation’s productivity.”