Abstract
Introduction The literature reports on high-frequency audiometry as one of the exams used on hearing
monitoring of individuals exposed to high sound pressure in their work environment,
due to the method́s greater sensitivity in early identification of hearing loss caused
by noise. The frequencies that compose the exam are generally between 9 KHz and 20KHz,
depending on the equipment.
Objective This study aims to perform a retrospective and secondary systematic revision of publications
on high-frequency audiometry on hearing monitoring of individuals exposed to occupational
noise.
Data Synthesis This systematic revision followed the methodology proposed in the Cochrane Handbook,
focusing on the question: “Is High-frequency Audiometry more sensitive than Conventional
Audiometry in the screening of early hearing loss individuals exposed to occupational
noise?” The search was based on PubMed data, Base, Web of Science (Capes), Biblioteca
Virtual em Saúde (BVS), and in the references cited in identified and selected articles.
The search resulted in 6059 articles in total. Of these, only six studies were compatible
with the criteria proposed in this study.
Conclusion The performed meta-analysis does not definitively answer the study's proposed question.
It indicates that the 16 KHz high frequency audiometry (HFA) frequency is sensitive
in early identification of hearing loss in the control group (medium difference (MD = 8.33)),
as well as the 4 KHz frequency (CA), this one being a little less expressive (MD = 5.72).
Thus, others studies are necessary to confirm the HFA importance for the early screening
of hearing loss on individuals exposed to noise at the workplace.
Keywords
high-frequency - hearing loss caused by noise - hearing loss - hearing tests - hearing
- monitoring
