[Extended high frequency audiometry in the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss].
An early detection of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) may allow more effective protection measures. Our aim was to investigate the usefulness of high-frequency audiometry to evaluate the possibility of a future use of the high frequencies audiometry as an early indicator for noise induced hearing loss. A cross-sectional study was performed involving 204 industrial noise exposed and 100 non-industrial noise-exposed workers. Each subject was tested with both conventional-frequency (0.25-8 kHz) and high-frequency (9-18 kHz) audiometry during the annually health surveillance campaign conducted in two Italian cement factories. As expected, noise exposed workers were found to have significantly higher hearing thresholds (P < 0.05) at both conventional and extended high frequencies. Marked differences were found for EHFA. Moreover, significant differences at EHFA were detected also in the subgroup of noise-exposed workers with normal findings at conventional audiometry. Our finding indicate that the use of the extended high frequency test may represent a useful tool for detecting early changes of hearing impairment and that it could be used in addition to the conventional test to better prevent the progression of noise hearing loss.
Somma
G
G
Università Tor Vergata, Roma- Cattedra di Medicina del Lavoro.
Coppeta
L
L
Magrini
A
A
Parrella
M
M
Cappelletti
M C
MC
Gardi
S
S
Messina
M
M
Bergamaschi
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001299:Audiometry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*