Characterization of tinnitus in workers evaluated at CEREST/SP - Brazil

Abstract

Tinnitus may be found in association with many diseases. However, many studies show an intimate relationship between noise exposure and NIHL. In this piece of research, we tried to verify the prevalence and the characteristics of tinnitus in subjects admitted to CEREST – SP between Oct.-97 and Feb.-98. 121 workers were studied in this period. 57% had NIHL and 81% reported tinnitus – of acute frequency in most of the cases. A prevalence of 82,6% of the subjects with tinnitus was observed among those with NIHL. This confirms once more the need of an intensive action in the fight against high levels of noise, in order to guarantee that the workers have a good quality of life.