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Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2016; 20(02): 105-108
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1549448
Original Research
Thieme Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Hearing Health in Agricultural Aviation Pilots from Cindacta II Wearing Earplugs and a Helmet

Vinicius Ribas Fonseca
1   Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital da Cruz Vermelha, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
2   Otorhinolaryngology Course, Universidade Positivo, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
,
Bianca Simone Zeigelboim
3   Communication Disorders, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
,
Adriana Bender Moreira Lacerda
4   MSc and PhD in Communication Disorders, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
,
Angela Ribas
3   Communication Disorders, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
4   MSc and PhD in Communication Disorders, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
,
Guilherme Spanhol
5   Centro de Estudos Otorrinolaringológicos Lauro Grein Filho–Hospital da Cruz Vermelha, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

18 February 2015

09 March 2015

Publication Date:
07 May 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction Agricultural aviation pilots, exposed daily to intense vibration and noise, are likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of audiograms consistent with NIHL in agricultural aviation pilots who use earplugs and helmets.

Methods We conducted a cross-sectional cohort and observational study. The data were taken from the medical records and audiograms of 94 pilots.

Results NIHL was identified in 9.5% of individuals with hearing loss by audiograms at 3,000, 4,000, or 6,000 Hz. Normal audiograms were observed in 46.8% of pilots surveyed. Bilateral hearing loss was more frequent than unilateral hearing loss, occurring in 64.8% of cases.

Conclusion Although there was a low incidence of audiograms compatible with NIHL in the records of the pilots examined, the disorder still occurs despite the doubled use of individual hearing protection equipment (helmets and earplugs) for agricultural aviation pilots. Nevertheless, even with the use of earplugs and helmets as noise protectors, the data showed that agricultural pilots suffer inner ear damage caused by occupational noise. Prevention and periodic audiologic evaluations must be conducted in noise-exposed occupational groups.

Keywords

noise-induced hearing loss - aviation - agriculture
 

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