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Being subjected to increased noise levels can adversely affect both health and work productivity. In Ghana, few studies have been done, with little to no attention paid to how noise exposure affects the auditory health and productivity of basic school teachers. In order to bridge the knowledge gap, this study was necessary. The research sought to address the following inquiries: (i) Do the basic school teachers have good knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practices to prevent occupational hearing loss? (ii) Do the ambient noise levels of the schools exceed the EPA/WHO permissible level for any daytime measurement? (iii) Do the ambient noise levels in the schools make the teachers less productive and impair the hearing? In this cross-sectional investigation, a combination of descriptive and case-control designs was employed. A survey, consisting of questionnaires, was administered to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices related to noise exposure, hearing loss, and the effects of noise on teachers' productivity. Additionally, a calibrated digital sound level meter was used to measure the average noise levels at the study locations. Audiometric testing was conducted to quantify noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The study showed that most of the basic school teachers (77.9%) had bad knowledge, while a few of them (22.1%) had good knowledge. Also, majority of basic school teachers (76.1%) demonstrated a negative attitude regarding the significance of noise reduction within the school environment, as well as aspects such as
audiometry, hearing loss, and the adoption of hearing protection devices. In contrast, 23.9% of teachers held a positive attitude. Regarding their practices, a substantial portion of teachers (66.3%) exhibited bad practices concerning audiometric testing, the supply and utilization of hearing protection devices, and health and safety training, while a smaller percentage (33.7%) adhered to commendable practices in these areas. Additionally, the research showed that the daytime noise levels recorded in the schools exceeded the EPA of Ghana and the WHO’s
acceptable thresholds, which stand at 55 decibels (dBA). With a long exposure duration (10+ years), most of the teachers developed mild NIHL. The elevated noise levels in the basic schools also made most of the teachers less productive. Therefore, it was established that the population of basic school teachers within the Old Tafo Municipality is prone to developing NIHL due to the unacceptable noise levels in the schools’ environment. However, it is argued that not all of the teachers will actually develop NIHL, despite the findings this study provides. The incidence of NIHL was greater among the cases (70%) in contrast to the controls (40%). The outputs from the KAP assessment indicate a lack of education and training concerning noise exposure and hearing loss among school teachers. Additionally, there is an absence of audiometric testing, inadequate provision of hearing protection devices, and a little to no health and safety training. In conclusion, the elevated ambient noise levels of the basic schools impair normal hearing and make the exposed teachers less productive. The study recommends that preventive and awareness campaigns be raised in the municipality in addition to the planting of bamboos, trees, and grasses such as Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Acer pseudoplatanus, and Sambucus nigra, to serve as barriers against noise penetrating the schools’ environment.