Otologic referral in industrial hearing conservation programs.
Baseline and periodic audiometry was performed on noise-exposed workers in 21 industrial plants. Workers showing moderate hearing loss, asymmetry, or significant threshold shifts were referred for otologic evaluation. The overall referral rate was 2.76%. Of 107 referrals, 53% had otologic diagnoses other than noise-induced hearing loss or required specific intervention, or both. The results support the use of criteria at least as stringent as those used in this study.
D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006320:Hearing Tests / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012017:Referral and Consultation