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Noise-induced hearing loss and blood pressure

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Summary

A sample of 188 male and 92 female engineering industry workers was investigated. Pure-tone audiometric measurements were used as an estimator of prolonged noise exposure. Using the air conductance thresholds at frequencies of 3,4 and 6 kHz, subjects were classified into three hearing classes. Their systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was measured.

In the older age group (41–64 years), the mean SBP of subjects with moderate hearing loss was 12 mmHg higher among men (n=35) and 18 mmHg higher among women (n=7) than among subjects with normal hearing (n=27). The mean DBP levels of subjects with moderate hearing loss were 5 mmHg and 4 mmHg higher, respectively. However, in the class of severe hearing loss (n=38; only male workers) the mean SBP was only 2 mmHg and the mean DBP only 1 mmHg higher than among subjects with normal hearing. In the younger age group (26–40 years) no differences in either SBP or DBP between the hearing classes were found.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tampere, Vuolteenkatu 11, SF-33100, Tampere 10, Finland

    O. Manninen & S. Aro

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  1. O. Manninen
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  2. S. Aro
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Manninen, O., Aro, S. Noise-induced hearing loss and blood pressure. Int. Arch Occup Environ Heath 42, 251–256 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00377779

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00377779

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