AUDIOMETRIC PROFILE OF HYPERTENSIVE WORKERS EXPOSED TO OCCUPATIONAL NOISE

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between noise and hearing loss is well known and studied; however, the association between them and Arterial Hypertension (AH) remains controversial. Some studies have reported that AH may cause an alteration in the cochlea’s blood flow, causing a sensorineural hearing loss. Others studies point out that AH can contribute as a potential risk factor for hearing loss when associated with the age or noise exposure. Objective: To outline the audiometric profile of workers with AH exposed to occupational noise. Material and Methods: Nineteen workers with AH, all male, were submitted to a questionnaire containing information about labor environment; the analysis of medical records was performed to investigate of hearing conditions. Results: Hearing loss was identified in 63.16 % of workers with AH, all of sensorineural nature. In both ears, 4000Hz frequency was the most affected, followed by 6000, 3000 and 8000Hz. There was a significant difference between the means of low and high frequencies. It was noticed an increment of altered audiometries as the categories of age, years of work and noise exposure increased. Conclusion: We observed a high occurrence of hearing loss among workers with AH, influenced by age, years of work and noise intensity. DESCRIPTORS: Hypertension. Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced. Noise, Occupational.