The Risk of Noise on the Hearing Levels of Individuals Working in Orthotic and Prosthetic Sector

Objective: To identify the effect of noise exposure on the hearing threshold of subjects working in the sector of orthotics and prosthetics. Methods: The hearing threshold of all subjects was tested using a screening audiometer based on the procedure recommended for industrial audiometry. Results: Subjects working in the sector of orthotics and prosthetics appeared to have noise induced hearing loss as indicated by their hearing threshold and/or by the presence of notch on their audiograms at 4 or 6 kHz. It was also found that longer duration of noise exposure appears to result in worse hearing threshold. Conclusions: Our results indicate that subjects working in the sector of orthotics and prosthetics are exposed to hazardous noise levels that have negative effects on their hearing. This is why the implementation of a hearing conservation program that prevents further damage for the hearing of those subjects becomes crucial.