ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Purpose: to evaluate possible ototoxicity secondary to exposure to a combination of pesticides (dichlorvos and cypermethrin based insecticides). Methods: the Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (12 animals per group): control (water), positive control for hearing damage (cisplatin) and experimental (exposed to dichlorvos and cypermethrin). The amplitude of distortion product otoacoustic emissions was assessed before and after the exposure. Systemic toxicity signs were also evaluated (clinical signs, weight gain and plasma cholinesterase). Wilcoxon test analyzed the post-exposure amplitudes compared to pre-exposure and Kruskal Wallis following Dunn's post hoc tests analyzed the amplitudes' variation. Normally distributed variables were evaluated by Student's t test. Results: body weight and plasma cholinesterase values were similar comparing the pre and post exposure in the experimental group. The control group did not manifest significant amplitude reduction of otoacoustic emissions between the pre and post evaluation. In the group exposed to cisplatin there was a significant reduction in amplitudes at 12 kHz on the right (p = 0.006; Wilcoxon) and 4 kHz on the left (p = 0.032; Wilcoxon). In the group exposed to pesticides, there was a significant reduction in the right ear at 4 kHz (p = 0.034; Wilcoxon) and 8 kHz (p = 0.019; Wilcoxon) and in the left ear at 4 kHz (p = 0.007; Wilcoxon), 6 kHz (p = 0.023; Wilcoxon), 8 kHz (p = 0.045; Wilcoxon) and 12 kHz (p = 0.028; Wilcoxon). Conclusion: there was ototoxicity in the experimental group, without a relevant systemic toxicity.