High-Frequency Audiometry in Women with and without Exposure to Workplace Noise

For this study, high-frequency audiometry was used to compare the hearing thresholds, with respect to age, among women exposed to noise in their working environment, as well as those not exposed to such noise. The cohort comprised 243 women (average age 36.2 years), of which 88 women were employed in a noisy (L_Aeq,8h 85-105 dB) workplace, while 155 women did not experience noise. Age categories were determined according to the World Health Organization (Geneva, Switzerland). Hearing thresholds were measured at frequencies of 0.125-16 kHz. Higher hearing thresholds were found in the youngest age groups (18-29 and 30-44 years) among those exposed to noise, as compared to those who were not. The difference in hearing thresholds between the exposed and unexposed groups increased with age, as well as with the frequencies. The highest difference in hearing thresholds for these age categories was measured at 11.25 kHz. The oldest age group (45-63 years) exposed to noise showed lower hearing thresholds than the unexposed group at all frequencies from 4 kHz to 16 kHz. High-frequency audiometry can be used for the early detection of increased hearing thresholds at high frequencies. High-frequency audiometry could be included in preventive programs, especially for younger people exposed to noise, in order to enable earlier detection of noise-induced hearing loss.