title: [Analysis of audiometric data as a contribution to the noise risk assessment].
abstract: METHODS
  We have matched the annual rate of change for average of at 3, 4 and 3-4 kHz between 2617 workers of 15 Italian thermoelectric power plants exposed to noise and 90 workers non-exposed (ANCOVA test controlling for relevant confounders: age and high frequency hearing threshold level).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, workers exposed to noise did not show a statistically significant hearing loss (F: 1.03 p = 0.30 for 4-6 kHz). Five subgroups in two power plants showed a significant hearing loss suggesting a specific re-evaluation of prevention strategies
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The statistical analysis of hearing loss progression in a population of workers exposed to noise can be an effective instrument of occupational risk assessment and monitoring of the effectiveness of prevention strategies.
authors: Medico Competente Università di Sassari, via Matteotti, 60-07100 Sassari, Italy. antserra@uniss.it
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Serra
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Bardino
authors: C Maugeri
authors: CM
authors: Saccà
authors: G P
authors: GP
authors: Micheloni
mesh_terms: D001299:Audiometry; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018570:Risk Assessment