O ÍNDICE DE PERDA AUDITIVA INDUZIDA POR RUÍDO RELACIONADA AO TRABALHO EM 2023

Abstract

Introduction: The degree and time of exposure to the noise influence the development of hearing diseases, with Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) being the most common hearing pathology among workers. NIHL is defined by changes in auditory thresholds, of the sensorineural type, resulting from systematic occupational exposure to high sound pressure levels. Objective: To evaluate work-related NIHL rates in 2023. Methodology: This is a descriptive and exploratory study, with a quantitative, cross-sectional approach to analyze work-related NIHL notifications according to age group (20- 79 years) and sex (female and male) in the year 2023. Results: In 2023, Brazil reported 468 cases of work-related NIHL, 86% of which were male and 14% were female. Among the age group with the highest prevalence, the age range is between 50 and 64 years old, with 44.2%. Discussion: NIHL is a notifiable disease, but 46% of health professionals do not report it, this demonstrates a failure in workers' health services, making it difficult to implement effective public actions. It is more prevalent in industrialized regions, especially in southeastern Brazil. The majority of cases occur among men due to the nature of activities in sectors such as industry and construction. The incidence increases with age, being more common in workers over 50 years of age, due to prolonged exposure to noise. Conclusion: More rigorous and conscious reporting of NIHL cases is necessary, in order to improve occupational health policies and ensure safer work environments.