This study assessed environmental noise levels, mapped the spatial pattern at different times of the day and examined the association with morbidity of auditory ailments in Abeokuta metropolis. The entire metropolis was divided into 80 cells (areas) of 1000 m 2 ; out of which 33 were randomly selected for noise levels assessment. Portable noise meter (AR824) was used to measure noise level and Global Positioning System (Garmin GPS-72H) was employed to take the coordinates of the sample sites for mapping. Risk map of the noise levels were produced using Kriging interpolation techniques based on the spatial spread of measured noise values across the study area. Data on cases of hearing impairments were collected from four major hospitals in the city. Data collected from field measurements and medical records were subjected to descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential (Mean, ANOVA and correlation) statistics using SPSS (version 20.0). ArcMap 10.1 was employed for spatial analysis and mapping. Results showed mean noise levels range at morning (42.4±4.14-88.2±15.1 dBA), afternoon (45.0±6.72-86.4±12.5 dBA) and evening (51.0±6.55-84.4±5.19 dBA) across the study area. The interpolated maps identified Kuto, Okelowo, Isale-Igbein and Sapon as high noise risk areas. The monitored noise levels varied significantly among the sampled areas at morning, afternoon and evening (p <0.05). Significant correlation was found between diagnosed cases of auditory ailments and noise levels measured in the morning (r=0.39 at p<0.05). Common auditory ailments found across the metropolis included impaired hearing (25.8%), tinnitus (16.4%) and otitis (15.0%) respectively.

This study was conducted to determine the noise exposure level and the association between self-reported health effects and risk factors among workers in auto mechanic workshops in Abeokuta town, Nigeria. Noise levels were measured at selected auto mechanic sites. A cross-sectional study was also conducted among fifty workers using a wellstructured questionnaire across the sampling sites. The recorded noise level in the morning and afternoon ranged between 61.3 - 75.8 dB and 70.4 and 86.4dB respectively. The noise values in the afternoon were significantly higher than the morning noise levels (t = -2.231; p = 0.030). The noise levels were above the WHO permissible limits in all the sampling locations. The overall occurrence of self-reported health effects were hearing loss (32%), annoyance (62%), irritation (72%), insomnia (16%), ringing in ears (44%), fatigue (44%), and high blood pressure (18%). The reported noise-induced health effects were associated with the age of the workers, duration of noise exposure and perceived noise sources in the study area. In the binomial regression model, exposure to occupational noise for 8 – 12 hours daily was an independent determinant risk factor of hearing loss (OR = 2.27, 95% Cl, 1.21-24.88) and fatigue (OR = 5.00, 95% Cl, 1.16-21.50). The implementation of correct wearing of earplugs among workers and the creation of awareness on noise-induced health effects to reduce noise exposure in the working environment would help in protecting exposed workers in the study area.