[Noise-induced hypoacusia in maintenance workers of high voltage electric lines]

Noise-induced hypoacusia continues to represent an important issue in Occupational Medicine in relation to epidemiology, diagnostics, medicolegal issues and occupation related compensation claims. We present the clinical and audiometric findings of 45 maintenance workers of high tension electric lines, undergoing medical surveillance. Noise-induced hearing loss was diagnosed in 49% of cases ("pure" in 27% and mixed--with the concurrence of other causes--in 22% of cases). These unexpected data indicate that electric lines maintenance should be considered a high risk occupation for noise-induced damage, and confirm the need of enforcing current protective laws.