Progressive Asymmetry in Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: A Large Population-Based Cohort Study With a 15-Year Follow-Up

• Published in: Journal of International Advanced Otology Vol. 17; no. 6; pp. 520 - 525
• Main Authors: da Silva, Vagner Antonio Rodrigues, Kruchewsc, Maria Martinez, Lavinsky, Joel, Pauna, Henrique Furlan, Guimaraes, Alexandre Caixeta, Castilho, Arthur Menino, Duarte, Alexandre Scalli Mathias, Crespo, Agricio Nubiato
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Turkey AVES 01.11.2021; Mediterranean Society for Otology and Audiology; European Academy of Otology and Neurotology and the Politzer Society
• Subjects: Age; Asymmetry; Cohort analysis; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Degassing of metals; Ears & hearing; Follow-Up Studies; Hearing loss; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced - diagnosis; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced - epidemiology; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced - etiology; Hearing protection; Humans; Metallurgy; Metals; Noise; Noise control; Noise, Occupational - adverse effects; Occupational Diseases - diagnosis; Occupational Diseases - epidemiology; Occupational Diseases - etiology; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Original; Population-based studies; Workers; Brazil
• ISSN: 1308-7649; 2148-3817
• DOI: 10.5152/iao.2021.21139

To evaluate interaural differences between the right and left ears at frequencies from 0.25 to 8 kHz in 3 groups of workers from metallurgy companies. This study is a cross-sectional cohort study. Workers were divided into 3 groups: (1) workers without occupational noise exposure and normal audiometric testing; (2) workers with 10 years of occupational noise exposure; and (3) workers with 15 years of occupational noise exposure. The interaural difference from 0.25 to 8 kHz was measured in each group. A total of 2103 workers were included. Of these, 483 workers had been exposed to noise in the workplace for 10 years and 216 workers for 15 years. Group 1, only at 4 and 6 kHz, the difference was statistically significant. Group 2, only at 3 , 4 , and 6 kHz, the difference was statistically significant. Group 3, the difference was statistically significant at the frequencies from 2 to 8 kHz. Asymmetry between the right and left ears was observed in all groups, with higher air-conduction thresholds in the left ear. It is important for otolaryngologists be aware that NIHL can also cause or accentuate asymmetry between the right and left ears over time.