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. 2009 Jan-Feb;75(1):7-14.
doi: 10.1016/s1808-8694(15)30825-9.

The characteristics of tinnitus in workers exposed to noise

Luciara Giacobe Steinmetz  1 , Bianca Simone Zeigelboim, Adriana Bender Lacerda, Thais Catalani Morata, Jair Mendes Marques
Affiliations

The characteristics of tinnitus in workers exposed to noise

Luciara Giacobe Steinmetz et al. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2009 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

Tinnitus is a common auditory complaint among individuals exposed to noise.

Aim: this paper aims to study the characteristics of tinnitus in workers exposed to noise.

Study design: this is a descriptive prospective study.

Materials and method: Fifty-two individuals averaging 29 years of age were enrolled in a hearing loss prevention program at a meat processing plant. The participants were interviewed and had their hearing tested in 2005 and 2006.

Results: seventy-one percent of the participants were found to have normal hearing. Tinnitus was present in 16% of the males and in 9% of the females. Mean noise exposure length was 7 years and noise levels ranged from 86 to 91 dBA (48%). Bilateral tinnitus (46%) of the hissing type (40%) and moderate intensity (49%) was the most prevalent. Symptoms began to be observed within one to five years after initial exposure to noise (67%) and manifested themselves in weekly episodes (41%) that bothered the patients mostly at night (34%). A significant correlation was observed between the frequency of tinnitus episodes and the noise levels to which workers were exposed.

Conclusion: tinnitus should be included in hearing loss prevention programs in order to more comprehensively promote occupational hearing health.

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Figures

Graph 1
Graph 1
Percentage of subjects in relation to time of exposure to noise - not available
Graph 2
Graph 2
Percentage of subjects in relation to dose of noise exposure - dB - decibel
Figure 1
Figure 1
Group threshold medians indicative of NIHL, normal, and various causes (right and left ear)- not available
Graph 3
Graph 3
Individual percentage analysis of THI in relation to tinnitus grade - not available
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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