title: Does occupational noise cause asymmetric hearing loss?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Determine whether occupational noise exposure increases audiometric asymmetry.
  
  
  METHODS
  Audiograms were performed on 2044 men from the Occupational Noise and Hearing Survey, representing four groups based on preliminary screening (for previous noise exposure, otologic history, and otoscopy) and current occupational noise exposure. The effects of current noise exposure on audiometric asymmetry were tested using ANCOVA, with binaural average thresholds as covariates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences in asymmetry attributable to current occupational noise exposure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Occupational noise exposure does not usually cause or exacerbate audiometric asymmetry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Dobie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D046088:Hearing Loss, Unilateral / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D066192:Manufacturing Industry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011327:Printing