Study of evoked otoacoustic emissions and suppression effect on workers exposed to pesticides and noise.

PURPOSE To analyze the findings for Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (EOEA) and suppression effect in workers with normal hearing exposed to pesticides and noise . METHODS The sample consisted of 55 participants with normal hearing, with ages ranging from 18 to 35 years, divided into two groups: one group exposed to noise and pesticides (GRA) and a control group (CG). The GRA was composed of 25 participants exposed to a representative average level of daily occupational noise exposure of 86 dBA and organophosphate-type pesticides, whereas the GC was composed of 30 participants who were not exposed to noise or pesticides. All participants underwent Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE) and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) examinations and research of the suppression effect. RESULTS The findings revealed differences between the results of TEOAE and DPOAE exams between GRA and GC groups. GRA participants showed worse results in EOAE findings. Regarding the suppression effect, lesser effects were observed in the GRA. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the study of EOAE and suppression effect can be used in early identification of hearing damage to workers simultaneously exposed to pesticides and noise.