ASSESSMENT OF HIDDEN HEARING LOSS IN NOISE EXPOSED WORKERS

Aim:To evaluate hidden hearing loss (HHL) in industrial workers using the extended high frequency audiometry(EHFA) and ABR wave I amplitude during routine follow-up visits to the audiology clinic to identify and managehidden hearing loss as early as possible. Materials and Methods: This study is comprised of two groups: study group which consisted of 50 adultindustrial workersattending the audio-vestibular medicine clinic for their routine follow-up visits and control group which consisted of 20 adults with bilateral normal peripheral hearing in the frequency range of 250-8000 Hz, including 3 and 6 kHz without any history of occupational noise exposure. Both groups were age and sex-matched. Results: Results showed statistically significant differences between patient and control groups as regards thresholds of EHFA at 12 and 16 KHz. In addition, there was statistically significant reduction in ABR wave I amplitudes between the two groups. Conclusion: Combining extended high-frequency audiometry and ABR amplitude measurements as two methods for early detection of audibility declines upon exposure to noise as well as an early warning of hair cell damage and loss is advised.