The first eletrocnic Journal of Otolaryngology in the world
ISSN: 1809-9777

E-ISSN: 1809-4864

 
1925 

Year: 2015  Vol. 19   Num. 1  - Jan/Mar - (5º)
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1382098
Section: Original Article
 
Hearing Profile of Brazilian Forestry Workers' Noise Exposure
Author(s):
Adriana Lacerda, Juliana Quintiliano, Diolen Lobato, Claudia Gonçalves, Jair Marques
Key words:
noise-induced hearing loss - occupational health - noise
Abstract:

Introduction: Researchers studying the hearing health of forestry workers have revealed the presence of a noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in this population and have concluded that the vibration of the equipment, the carbon monoxide released by motors, and pesticides might also contribute to NIHL.

Objective: To analyze the noise exposure in the Brazilian forestry industry workers and the effects on hearing.

Methods: The study sample comprised 109 employees of a company that specialized in reforestation. Their participants' mean age was 35.5 years (21 to 54 years), mean tenure at the company was 3.9 years (1 to 13 years), and mean total duration of noise exposure was 12.3 years (1 to 30 years). The existing documentation reporting on the jobs risk analysis was examined, noise level was measured, and pure tone audiometry was performed in all participants. Participants were divided into three groups according to their noise exposure levels in their current job.

Results: Of the participants who were exposed to noise levels less than 85 dBA (decibels with A-weighting filter), 23.8% had hearing loss, and 5.5% of the participants who were exposed to noise ranging from 85 to 89.9 dBA and 11% of the participants who were exposed to noise greater than 90 dBA had audiogram results suggestive of NIHL.

Conclusion: The implementation of a hearing loss prevention program tailored to forestry workers is needed.

All right reserved. Prohibited the reproduction of papers
without previous authorization of FORL © 1997- 2024