Development of a clinical investigation protocol for occupational auditory health

Considering that noise is present in different work environments, occupational health regulations have been created that advocate for the care of employees' auditory system in these environments. Occupational hearing assessment should be performed by audiologists through audiological examinations, otoscopy, as well as an interview to assess possible risk factors for the development of hearing loss. However, up to the present moment, a standardized set of updated questions for this interview has not been defined.

To develop a clinical investigation instrument for occupational auditory health that provides support for clinical decision-making and differential diagnosis.

The study was conducted using Design Thinking as a methodological approach in its stages of inspiration (problem identification), ideation (theoretical foundation and protocol design), and prototyping (protocol construction).

This study was conducted with the objective of providing support for clinical decision-making and differential diagnosis of the auditory aspects of the assisted population. The Protocolo de Investigação Clínica da Saúde Auditiva Ocupacional was developed, consisting of six main sections that address medical history, lifestyle habits, exposure to non-occupational noise, work history, extra-auditory symptoms, and auditory and vestibular signs and symptoms, aimed at investigating workers' auditory health and related aspects.

The developed instrument can be used for data collection and assist audiologists in the occupational health teams in diagnosis and decision-making processes.