- Title:
- Extended high-frequency audiometry in subjects exposed to occupational noise
- Authors:
- G. S. Korres*, D. G. Balatsouras**, A. Tzagaroulakis*, D. Kandiloros* and E. Ferekidis*
- Institutions:
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, National University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Greece; **Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Tzanion General Hospital, Piraeus, Greece
- Keywords:
- Occupational hearing loss; hearing; extended high-frequency audiometry; noise-induced hearing loss
- Pages:
- 147 - 155
- Abstract:
- Extended high-frequency audiometry in subjects exposed to occupational noise. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate hearing in a population of industrial workers exposed to occupational noise by using both conven- tional and extended high-frequency (EHF) audiometry, and to compare our results with the findings from a control group. Methods: A total of 139 industry workers exposed to noise were examined over a period of two years and 32 healthy subjects were used as controls. Conventional audiometry in the frequency range 0.25-8 kHz and EHF audiometry in the frequency range 9-20 kHz were performed. Results: Thresholds in the noise-exposed group were higher than in the control group for both standard and extended high frequencies, but variability was greater in EHF. Larger differences were found in the 4,000-18,000 Hz frequency region, and especially in the 12,500-18,000 frequency zone. A statistically significant correlation between the elevation of puretone thresholds and time of exposure was found across all frequencies (from 250 to 20,000 Hz), with the exception of 10,000 Hz. Conclusions: EHF audiometry is a useful adjunct to conventional audiometry in the audiological assessment of subjects exposed to occupational noise. This test performs well in the frequency range 12,500-18,000 Hz, but there is greater variability in the results compared with conventional audiometry.
- Issue:
- Vol. 4, 2008, 3rd trimester
- Download:
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Extended high-frequency audiometry in subjects exposed to occupational noise