Hearing evaluation in workers exposed to noise at the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Noise is one of the major environmental problems in developed and developing countries. Not only does it cause alterations in hearing, it also acts on the bulbar, vegetative, cortical centers of association and will.

Objective: To evaluate the hearing status of workers in noise risk areas of the Hermanos Ameijeiras Surgical Clinical Hospital.

Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out on 33 workers from noise risk areas, from June 2015 to January 2017. Clinical and audiological variables were collected and a descriptive statistical method was used.

Results: 70.6 % of the workers evaluated presented sound trauma, and do not use sound protection means on a regular basis, in addition, the areas chosen for the study exceed noise intensity levels above the lower limit value considered harmful (85 dB).

Conclusions: After the detection of hearing damage, it is proposed to institutionally recognize the nature of a job with risk of exposure to noise in the activities of the power plant, turbogenerator, boilers and sewing and to apply the measures in this regard, which will allow its prevention.