Evaluation of noise-induced hearing loss with audiometer and distortion product otoacoustic emissions.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the results of audiogram and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) parameters between staffs working in a noisy environment and normal subjects.


METHODS
Hearing function of 32 noise-exposed workers and 18 reference subjects were assessed with DPOAEs and pure-tone audiometry. Results were compared among three groups: 1) ears of reference subjects, 2) audiometrically normal ears of noise-exposed subjects, and 3) audiometrically abnormal ears of noise-exposed subjects.


RESULTS
DPOAEs parameters, statistically significant difference were found between group 1 and 2 and group 1 and 3 at all frequencies. Statistically significant differences in pass rate for DPOAEs at 4-6 kilohertz (kHz) were also found between group 1 and 2.


CONCLUSIONS
DPOAEs are more sensitive than audiometry to detect pre-symptomatic inner ear damage. It may play a role as screening and monitoring test for noise-exposed workers.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkla, Thailand. panicha_g@yahoo.com
Viraporn
V
Atchariyasathian
Satit
S
Chayarpham
Suchada
S
Saekhow
D000328:Adult; D001299:Audiometry / Q000379:methods*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017084:Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires