Análise do Programa de Apoio e Reabilitação para trabalhadores portadores de PAIR em uma metalúrgica

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the importance of the Program of Support and Rehabilitation for workers affected by NIHL (noise-induced hearing loss) in a metallurgical factory from Piracicaba – SP. The Program of Support and Rehabilitation has the purpose to identify the incapacities and handicaps of NIHL-affected subjects in order to organize rehabilitation measures and develop in workers concrete behaviors that allow for communication improvement. The analyzed program was composed by the following stages: (1) invitation to workers, (2) application of the HHIA – Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (Newmann et alii, 1990), (3) audiometric exams for interested subjects, (4) intervention program, and (5) results evaluation. Program meetings were weekly 40 minutes sessions, during 8 months, with a group of seven workers. Method: Program meetings were analyzed by writing down a field log or by recording, for posterior categorization, the workers’ statements. Analyzing the workers’ accounts, HHIA results and a questionnaire applied to participants’ wives, the Program relevance for NIHL-affected workers was evaluated. The results for the workers participating in the support and rehabilitation program had been an improvement in communication by using strategies learned in the meetings and a change in behavior regarding communication difficulties. A reduction in the handicap perception for 71.4% of workers taking part in the program was observed.