Conditions of auditory health at work: inquiry of the auditoy effect in workers exposed to the occupationl noise

Introduction: Physiologically, the individuals exposed to the noise may develop a very common pathology; the occupational noise induced hearing loss. Objective: Research the by means of a cross-sectional study, prevalence of occupational hearing loss in workers exposed to noise pressure levels over...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Lopes, Andréa Cintra, Nelli, Maíra Pietraroia, Lauris, José Roberto Pereira, Amorim, Raquel Beltrão, Melo, Ana Dolores Passarelli
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda. 2009-03-01
Series:International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.arquivosdeorl.org.br/conteudo/acervo_eng.asp?Id=588
Description
Summary:Introduction: Physiologically, the individuals exposed to the noise may develop a very common pathology; the occupational noise induced hearing loss. Objective: Research the by means of a cross-sectional study, prevalence of occupational hearing loss in workers exposed to noise pressure levels over 85 dB NPL. Method: 400 records of workers exposed to noise pressure levels above 85 db NPS, working in companies of different segments. Results: In this sample, statistically significant differences were observed between the low and high frequencies thresholds and that the work duration influenced in the worsening of high frequencies thresholds bilaterally. As for the laterality no significant differences were confirmed between the ears, as well as the absence of correlation between tinnitus and hearing loss. Conclusion: An intensive work of auditory health promotion and/or auditory loss prevention must be emphasized, especially for workers exposed to high level occupational noises, as well as the appropriate features of individual auditory protection equipment.
ISSN:1809-9777
1809-4864