title: Auditory brainstem response in gas station attendants.
abstract: Ototoxicity of organic solvents can affect the hearing system up to the cochlea level and the central structures of hearing.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the neurophysiological integrity of the hearing system in subjects exposed to fuels using ABR.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study. We evaluated attendants from three gas stations in Santa Maria/RS. The sample had 21 subjects, who were evaluated by auditory brainstem response.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found an alteration in the absolute latencies of Waves I and III and in all the interpeak latencies, in the right ear. In the left ear there was a change in the absolute latencies of all Waves, and in all the interpeak intervals. A change in the interaural difference of Wave V was found in 19% of the individuals. In the group exposed for more than five years, there were subjects with a statistically significant changes: in the I-V interpeak of the right ear; in the absolute latency of Wave I and in the III-V interpeak of the left year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Exposure to fuels can cause alterations in the central hearing system.
authors.affiliation: Human Communication Disorders, Federal University of Santa Maria, Soledade.
authors.forename: Lenita da Silva
authors.initials: Lda S
authors.lastname: Quevedo
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tochetto
authors.forename: Marcia Amaral
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Siqueira
authors.forename: Márcia Salgado
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Machado
mesh_terms: D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D000328:Adult; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem; D005260:Female; D005579:Fossil Fuels / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011930:Reaction Time; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D005579:Fossil Fuels