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Auditory Changes in Occupational Health Associated With Metabolic Diseases in Adult Workers
Francine Varlete Leopoldina Barcelos1, Karina Mary de Paiva2, Marco José Machado3
1Occupational Speech Therapist from the Conselho Federal de Fonoaudiologia (CFFa), Federal University of Santa Catarina UFSC, Florianopolis, Brazil (FVLB).
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
|November 18, 2024
Summary
Occupational noise and metabolic disease medications are linked to hearing loss in workers. Cardiovascular drug use was common, potentially worsening hearing thresholds.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Audiology
- Metabolic Medicine
Background:
- Hearing loss stems from various factors including genetics, ototoxic agents, infections, metabolic and ear diseases, occupational noise, and aging.
- Metabolic diseases are a significant, yet often overlooked, contributor to hearing impairment in the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hearing loss and metabolic diseases in a cohort of workers.
- To identify specific medications used for metabolic conditions that may impact auditory health.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data from 97 subjects exposed to occupational noise.
- Data included drug treatments for metabolic diseases and audiometric reference examinations from 2005.
- Subjects were recruited from two occupational health clinics between January 2020 and December 2022.
Main Results:
- Sensorineural hearing loss was present in 53 subjects (54.6%), with tinnitus being the most common complaint (28.9%).
- A statistical association was found between hearing loss decline and medications for metabolic and hormonal regulation.
- A high prevalence (89.70%) of medication use for cardiovascular diseases was noted among the evaluated workers.
Conclusions:
- Medications for cardiovascular diseases may pose a risk for triggering or exacerbating hearing loss.
- Significant hearing threshold impairment and decline were observed, particularly in one of the occupational health clinics (C2).
- This study highlights the critical link between metabolic health, medication use, and occupational hearing loss.
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