ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate hearing threshold of industrial workers and correlate between noise exposed and unexposed groups
Study design: An observational cross sectional study
Place and duration of study: Study was conducted at medical testing and research organization located at Islamabad from January 2010 to May 2010
Methodology: 50 industrial workers [Gp A] exposed to constant high level noise were integrated in study and compared with matched control group [Gp B]. Pure tone audiometry [subjective test] was carried out to measure the hearing threshold at various frequencies
Results: Hearing loss was more prevalent in group A. A characteristic dip of hearing threshold was noted at 4000 Hz in Gp A
Conclusion: Industrial workers are at higher risk of developing Sensor-neural hearing loss [SNHL] as compared to general population. These individuals can easily be picked in early stages by audiometry and appropriate protective measures advised to prevent or interrupt the silent progress of disease