Can noise induced hearing loss happen in elementary schools?

Authors

Dr Flávio Serafini (São Paulo, Brazil)
Dr. Patricia A. C. Moreira (São Paulo, Brazil)
Dr. Eliane C. C. dos Santos (São Paulo, Brazil)
Dr. Fernanda O Merotti (São Paulo, Brazil)
Dr. Maria S. Bortoleto (São Paulo, Brazil)
Dr. Rafael Lenci (São Paulo, Brazil)

Proceedings

XXX Congress of the NES - Oporto - Portugal

Topics

Sensology
Hearing
Sensology
Hearing
Otologic tests
Sensology

Abstract

This work intends to find hearing loss or audiometric shifts in a group of elementary students and intensity of noise to which these students are exposed.
Method: 35 students, 12 to 15 years-old, had initial audiometries and Transitory otoacustic emissions
(TOAE) compared to audiometries and TOAE performed at the end of the school day. Noise intensity was measured in rooms and hallways during the school day. Results: 19.5% of the students presented hearing loss in their initial audiometries. This number increased to 22.3% after the children were exposed to noise.TOAE changed in three students. Noise intensity ranged from 60 to 95dB Conclusion: Sensorineural hearing losses were not seen after the exposure to noise, however, thresholds did change and noise intensity did reach levels that were higher than the limit tolerated by the coclea. Present shifts in audiometric thresholds can become sensorineural hearing losses in the future.