Introduction: Noise induced hearing loss is a cumulative pathological disease that increases over the years with exposure to noise associated with the work atmosphere. Objectives: To identify and quantify the occurrence of hearing loss suggestive of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and the principle otolaryngological symptoms referred to by workers. Study design: prospective clinical randomized. Material and method: Research was carried out from January to March of 2000 with 187 metallurgical workers in the city of Goiânia, who were evaluated by otolaryngologists by means of a combination of interviews and occupational hearing exams. Results: Occupational hearing tests results were: 21% suggestive of NIHL, 72% normal, and 7% suggestive of other hearing impairments. The most frequent hearing symptoms were: difficulty of comprehension in speaking 12%, Hearing loss 7%, Tinnitus 13%, Auricular fullness feeling 4%, Effusion 6%, and Dizziness 12%. Conclusion: We concluded that in metallurgist exists an occurrence of hearing loss suggestive of NIHL and complaints of significant otolaryngological symptoms.
hearing loss; occupational noise; metallurgist
