Auditory and extra-auditory effects of occupational exposure to noise and vibration

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed at investigating health complaints and audiological findings of 2 groups of workers. Study design: Clinical prospective randomized. Material and method: Group 1 was exposed to high sound pressure levels and vibration transmitted by hands and arms through the use of power grazers. Group 2 was exposed to high sound pressure levels and whole-body vibration transmitted by heavy machinery such as paving rollers, skid-steer loaders, backhoes and compact hydraulic excavators. The 73 participants underwent interview, otoscopy, and pure-tone audiometry. Regarding general health, workers in group 2, exposed to whole-body vibration presented the highest number of complaints. Results: All the participants from group 1 used hearing protective equipment and 11% of them complained of tinnitus. Not all workers from group 2 used hearing protectors and of 17% of them, 2 reported tinnitus. However, group 1 workers, exposed to hand-arm vibration, comprised the group with the highest percentage of abnormal audiograms. Conclusion: This study revealed a series of weaknesses in the health surveillance of these populations and indicated the need for the implementation of preventive programs focusing on their exposure to noise and vibration.