Abstract Introduction: Noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable health problem worldwide. However, it continues to affect workers especially in the informal sector, due to the lack of medical and environmental monitoring. In Benin, millers are highly exposed. The objective of the study was to assess the hearing health situation of grain millers in the Dantokpa market in 2020. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included by exhaustive recruitment 57 millers. The data were collected using a standardized questionnaire followed by blood pressure measurements, noise levels and the performance of audiometries. Descriptive and univariate analysis was performed. Results: The sample consisted only of men. The median age was 25 years with extremes of 18 and 50 years. Noise levels at the workstation ≥ 85 dB (A) were obtained for 94.74% of the workers. No worker was wearing hearing protection equipment. The prevalence of hearing loss was 87.72% (95% CI = [76.32%; 94.92%]) and that of occupational deafness was 29.82% (95% CI = [18.43% -43.40%]) which was associated with age over 28 and high blood pressure. An awareness campaign with donation of hearing pads was carried out. Conclusion: Hearing loss is important among millers who do not benefit from any supervision because they are in the informal sector. A restructuring of this sector is necessary for the hearing health of workers.

Abstract The trivialization of empty spaces has long been practiced in the city of Maradi (Niger), particularly in the Zaria 2 (Commune II) and Ali Dan Sofo (Commune III) districts. With stalls in the streets and illegal dumping grounds, empty plots and the surrounding areas are fairly privileged sources of various wastes. This study aims at analyzing the impact of these empty plots on the local population, through several aspects, especially in terms of the modes of occupation, internal and surrounding practices, physical environment and biodiversity, sanitation and elimination of waste. To do so, two methodological approaches were used: a survey on local population and in situ observation of these spaces. The results not only reveal a difficult proximity situation to the unbuilt but also showed that empty plots constitute not only a form of vegetation conservation for the future as well as clean surfaces which would be called upon to characterize the potential recharge of groundwater. The most potentially useful organic waste would be that of Kadro, especially feathers from poultry that could be used as compost in the fields. In addition to the degradation of urban environments (63% of respondents), the unbuilt area also contributes to poverty reduction and increases food security (69% of respondents). To reduce the negative impacts, the rewarding strategies would be awareness-raising and monitoring measures coupled with a policy of protection and environmental remedies.