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Extended high-frequency audiometry in subjects exposed to occupational noise
G S Korres1, D G Balatsouras, A Tzagaroulakis
1Ear, Nose and Throat Department, National University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Greece.
B-ENT
|October 28, 2008
Summary
Extended high-frequency (EHF) audiometry effectively detects hearing loss in industrial workers exposed to occupational noise. This method, alongside conventional audiometry, highlights damage in higher frequency ranges, correlating with exposure duration.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Occupational Health
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Background:
- Occupational noise exposure is a significant risk factor for hearing impairment in industrial workers.
- Conventional audiometry may not fully capture the extent of hearing damage from noise exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate hearing in noise-exposed industrial workers using conventional and extended high-frequency (EHF) audiometry.
- To compare hearing thresholds between noise-exposed workers and a control group.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 139 noise-exposed industrial workers and 32 healthy controls.
- Conventional audiometry (0.25-8 kHz) and EHF audiometry (9-20 kHz) were performed on all participants.
Main Results:
- Noise-exposed workers exhibited higher hearing thresholds than controls across both conventional and EHF ranges.
- Significant hearing differences were observed in the 4,000-18,000 Hz region, particularly 12,500-18,000 Hz.
- A correlation was found between increased hearing thresholds and duration of noise exposure across most frequencies.
Conclusions:
- Extended high-frequency (EHF) audiometry serves as a valuable supplement to conventional methods for assessing noise-exposed individuals.
- EHF audiometry demonstrates efficacy in the 12,500-18,000 Hz range, though it shows greater variability than conventional audiometry.
