Perfil audiométrico segundo exposição de pilotos civis ao ruído

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the audiometric profile of civilian pilots according to the noise exposure level. METHODS This observational cross-sectional study evaluated 3,130 male civilian pilots aged between 17 and 59 years. These pilots were subjected to audiometric examinations for obtaining or revalidating the functional capacity certificate in 2011. The degree of hearing loss was classified as normal, suspected noise-induced hearing loss, and no suspected hearing loss with other associated complications. Pure-tone air-conduction audiometry was performed using supra-aural headphones and acoustic stimulus of the pure-tone type, containing tone thresholds of frequencies between 250 Hz and 6,000 Hz. The independent variables were professional categories, length of service, hours of flight, and right or left ear. The dependent variable was pilots with suspected noise-induced hearing loss. The noise exposure level was considered low/medium or high, and the latter involved periods >; 5,000 flight hours and >; 10 years of flight service. RESULTS A total of 29.3% pilots had suspected noise-induced hearing loss, which was bilateral in 12.8% and predominant in the left ear (23.7%). The number of pilots with suspected hearing loss increased as the noise exposure level increased. CONCLUSIONS Hearing loss in civilian pilots may be associated with noise exposure during the period of service and hours of flight.OBJETIVO Analisar o perfil audiométrico de pilotos civis segundo grau de exposição ao ruído. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal, com 3.130 pilotos civis do sexo masculino de 17 a 59 anos submetidos a exames audiométricos iniciais ou de revalidação de Certificado de Capacidade Física em 2011. Os sujeitos foram categorizados segundo perda auditiva como: normais, sugestivos de perda auditiva induzida por ruído, e outros fatores associados e não sugestivos. A audiometria tonal liminar utilizada foi por via aérea, com a utilização de fones supra-aurais, por meio do estímulo acústico do tipo tom puro, contendo os limiares tonais das frequências de 250 a 6.000 Hz. As variáveis independentes foram as categorias dos pilotos, tempo de serviço, horas de voo e orelha direita ou esquerda. A variável dependente corresponde aos casos sugestivos de perda auditiva induzida por ruído. O grau de exposição foi considerado baixo/médio ou alto, sendo este último com horas de voo maiores que 5.000 e tempo de serviço maior que 10 anos. RESULTADOS Foram observados 29,3% casos sugestivos de perda auditiva induzida por ruído, 12,8% bilaterais com predomínio do lado esquerdo (23,7%). Com o aumento do grau de exposição ao ruído, o número de casos sugestivos de perda auditiva também aumentou. CONCLUSÕES A perda auditiva nos pilotos civis pode estar associada à exposição ao ruído ao longo do tempo de serviço e das horas de voo

Voice and speech signs and symptoms in individuals exposed to chemical agents: an analysis of medical records

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify voice and speech signs and symptoms in patients exposed to chemical agents. Methods: an exploratory and descriptive study analyzing the data from the medical records of patients who sought health services at a toxicology outpatient clinic located in Southeastern Brazil. Results: a total of 139 medical records were obtained, 75 being selected. Twelve of the records selected contained data regarding voice and speech symptoms, including hoarseness (3), loss of voice (2), chronic throat inflammation (1), sore throat (1), secretion and burning in the throat (1), dry throat and mouth (1), lump in the throat associated with difficulty in swallowing (1), difficulty in articulating words (1), and difficulty in verbal expression (1). Diseases capable of causing phono-articulatory problems were detected in 6 cases. These symptoms affected individuals with occupational exposure to different substances, particularly community health agents (7) and pesticide applicators (7). Conclusion: individuals exposed to chemical substances experienced voice and speech problems, either due to a possible irritation caused by chemical agents or due to diseases developed during or after the exposure

Audiometric profile of civilian pilots according to noise exposure

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the audiometric profile of civilian pilots according to the noise exposure level. METHODS This observational cross-sectional study evaluated 3,130 male civilian pilots aged between 17 and 59 years. These pilots were subjected to audiometric examinations for obtaining or revalidating the functional capacity certificate in 2011. The degree of hearing loss was classified as normal, suspected noise-induced hearing loss, and no suspected hearing loss with other associated complications. Pure-tone air-conduction audiometry was performed using supra-aural headphones and acoustic stimulus of the pure-tone type, containing tone thresholds of frequencies between 250 Hz and 6,000 Hz. The independent variables were professional categories, length of service, hours of flight, and right or left ear. The dependent variable was pilots with suspected noise-induced hearing loss. The noise exposure level was considered low/medium or high, and the latter involved periods > 5,000 flight hours and > 10 years of flight service. RESULTS A total of 29.3% pilots had suspected noise-induced hearing loss, which was bilateral in 12.8% and predominant in the left ear (23.7%). The number of pilots with suspected hearing loss increased as the noise exposure level increased. CONCLUSIONS Hearing loss in civilian pilots may be associated with noise exposure during the period of service and hours of flight