Abstract

RIBEIRO, Ana Maria Dutra  and  CAMARA, Volney de M.. Hearing loss by continuous exposure to high sound pressure among maintenance workers at a Brazilian Air Force helicopters unity. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 2006, vol.22, n.6, pp. 1217-1224. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2006000600011.

Continuous exposure to high sound pressure in aeronautical workers can be associated with inner ear hearing loss. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of deafness among all maintenance workers from a Brazilian Air Force helicopter unit. The methods included the application of individual questionnaires and audiometric tests. The results showed a high prevalence (32.4%) of hearing loss related to time on the job (p < 0.05; RP = 2.11; 95%CI: 1.03-4.32) and the 41-50-year age bracket (p = 0.00; RP < 3.94; 95%CI: 2.04-7.62). No influence was found from selected variables that might result in bias. Finally, a program to prevent hearing loss was recommended.

Keywords : Hearing Loss; Sensorineural Hearing Loss; Deafness; Aircraft; Aviation.