This study aims at investigating the relationship between the hearing loss and the occupational exposition to noise and toluene. Seventy-three tannery workers were the subject of this study. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on the workers' clinical and occupational history. To evaluate the occupational exposition, an environmental and biological survey on toluene was held, together with noise and audiologycal evaluations. The results of the environmental and biological evaluations were below the levels established by NR 7 and 15. The noise levels in several sections of the industry were above the maximum allowed by NR 15, reaching 97.8dB(A). The hearing losses found in the noise group (GR) and noise and chemical agents (GRAQ) groups were significant when compared, through the statistic analysis SPSS®, T-Test p<0,01, to the control group. This study demonstrated impact factors in workers' health and life quality. Due to this, the programs must be revised and measures to reduce the risks must be implemented in order to prevent hazards to workers' health.
toluene; noise; environmental evaluation; audiometry; biological evaluation
