Study of the effects of simultaneous exposure to noise and carbon disulfide on workers' hearing

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of simultaneous exposure to noise and carbon disulfide on workers' hearing and balance. The study was conducted by interviews and by audiometric and balance tests on workers in a rayon factory in the city of São Paulo, Brazil (n = 258). The workers studied had a history of exposure both to excessive noise levels (86-89 dBA) and to excessive levels of carbon disulfide (89.92 mg/m3). The percentage of hearing loss found was much higher than expected for this occupational activity, which reinforced the possible connection between the exposure to noise and carbon disulfide.