J Med Assoc Thai 2008; 91 (7):1066

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Evaluation of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss with Audiometer and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions
Atchariyasathian V Mail, Chayarpham S , Saekhow S

Objective: To compare the results of audiogram and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs)
parameters between staffs working in a noisy environment and normal subjects.

Material and Method: Hearing function of 32 noise-exposed workers and 18 reference subjects were assessed
with DPOAEs and pure-tone audiometry. Results were compared among three groups: 1) ears of reference
subjects, 2) audiometrically normal ears of noise-exposed subjects, and 3) audiometrically abnormal ears of
noise-exposed subjects.

Results: DPOAEs parameters, statistically significant difference were found between group 1 and 2 and group
1 and 3 at all frequencies. Statistically significant differences in pass rate for DPOAEs at 4-6 kilohertz (kHz)
were also found between group 1 and 2.

Conclusion: DPOAEs are more sensitive than audiometry to detect pre-symptomatic inner ear damage. It may
play a role as screening and monitoring test for noise-exposed workers.

Keywords:
Otoacoustic emissions, Occupational health

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