Evaluation of the auditory system of farm workers exposed to pesticides

Purposes to evaluate the peripheral auditory system, by means of pure tone audiometry for farmers living in areas of heavy use of pesticides in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Methods 70 individuals of genders, 35 farmers and 35 non-farmers, with ages between 25 and 59 years, residents Campos dos Goytacazes, were enrolled into the study. All subjects had their peripheral hearing evaluated by means of pure tone audiometry at frequencies of 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 6,000 and 8,000 Hz. Individuals with alterations in external and middle ear and/or with a otologic complaint were excluded from the study. In addition, interview was conducted regarding health issues, socioeconomic status, education and exposure to pesticides. Hearing loss was considered if hearing thresholds were equal or more than 25 dB at any frequency tested. Results the Odds Ratio of hearing loss was 3.67 times (95% CI: 2.08 - 6.48) higher among agricultural workers (94.3%) when compared to non-agricultural workers (25.7%). Furthermore, most of the hearing alterations were observed in the higher frequencies. Conclusion this study suggests that the agricultural activity and possible exposure to pesticides increases the risk of hearing loss.