title: Workplace Activity in Health Professionals Exposed to Chemotherapy Drugs: An Otoneurological Perspective.
abstract: IntroductionThe manipulation of antineoplastic drugs presents high risk for accidents and occupational diseases.ObjectiveTo evaluate the auditory and vestibular systems of workers who are exposed to chemotherapeutic treatment in the University Hospital of Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil, and to identify the use of individual protection equipment, related to the obtained results.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study using a quantitative method. We evaluate 33 male and female workers, ranging from 21-60 years old, of the nursing and pharmacy sectors. The workers underwent conventional Audiologic Assessment; Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions; and Computerized Vectoelectronystagmography.ResultsThe majority of the sample was female (90.9%). Individual protection equipment was used by 90.9% of the workers. Complaints of dizziness were reported by 56.25% of nursing workers and 52.94% of pharmacy workers. Audiological and vestibular assessment results were within normal limits, 96.97% and 74.20%, respectively. However, audiometric configuration of notch type was identified in 75.75% of all workers. Audiometric notches (76%) and altered caloric test (100%) were often associated with decreased use of coal masks.ConclusionAmong the workers evaluated, the vestibulocochlear system was within the normal limits. The presence of notch configuration indicates the need to use individual protection equipment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Natália Martinez
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.affiliation: Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Isadora Gonçalves
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Pelissari
authors.affiliation: Post-Graduation Student, Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Licia Assunção
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Cogo
authors.affiliation: Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Valdete Alves Valentins Dos
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Santos Filha
keywords: dizziness; drug therapy; hearing; occupational health services; vestibular function tests