Hidden Hearing Loss, Cochlear Synaptopathy and Occupational Noise / Pérdida Auditiva Oculta, Sinaptopatía Coclear y Ruido Ocupacional

Introducción: La sinaptopatía coclear por exposición a ruido (SCER) es definida como una alteración funcional transitoria o permanente de las sinapsis en cinta de las células pilosas internas de la cóclea. Este artículo tiene el objetivo de comentar la utilidad de la identificación temprana de la pérdida auditiva oculta por SCER basado en marcadores audiológicos y en la metodología usada en grupos clínicos para su búsqueda.Método: Revisión de la literatura relacionada en bases científicas y la narración descriptiva de los resultados.Resultados: La SCER produce una pérdida auditiva oculta en pacientes con audiograma normal, principalmente obreros o individuos expuestos a niveles de ruido intenso. Los principales estudios de identificación de la SCER han sido realizados principalmente en estudiantes universitarios o en músicos.Conclusiones: Son necesarios ajustes en la política de salud auditiva para una amplia identificación temprana de la SCER en las poblaciones en riesgo para la pérdida auditiva oculta y luchar por una regulación del daño (AU)

Introduction: Cochlear synaptopathy after noise exposure (CSNE) is defined as the transient or permanent func-tional damage to the ribbon synapsis of the inner hair cells of the cochlea. This article has the objective of comment the usefulness of early identification of the hidden hearing loss after CSNE based on audiological markers and in changes in the clinical methodology in clinical groups for its searching.Method: Review of related literature in scientific databases and narrative description of results.Results: CSNE results in a hidden hearing loss in patients with normal pitch audiogram, mainly workers or indi-viduals exposed to high noise levels. The main studies of identification have been performed mainly in groups of students from college or musicians.Conclusions: Is necessary adjustments in hearing health policy for an wide early identification of CSNE in at risk populations for the identification of the hidden hearing loss and fight for its damage regulation (AU)

[Hypoacusia as a result of chronic traumatic acoustic lesion in workers with affiliation to the Mexican Social Security Institute, 1992-2002]. / Hipoacusia por trauma acústico crónico en trabajadores afiliados al IMSS, 1992-2002.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoacusia by chronic acoustic trauma (HTAC) is one of the main work diseases. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the distribution and frequency of hearing loss produced by chronic acoustic trauma (HLON) in workers who attend to Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). Also analyze the estimated cost of permanent work disabilities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyze all hearing loss cases of the workers who attend to IMSS in the period between 1992 to 2001, registered in the Subsystem of registration of work's risk in the IMSS. Measures of central tendency, odds ratio (OR) and direct costs by means were calculated. RESULTS: The HLON represents 41% (1867) of all work's disease, during the period it was observed an increase of number of cases, the average of permanent disabilities, the rate of incidence and the average of rating percentage. The cases solved through a demand showed an increase to 105% in four years. The estimate monthly cost for every worker was 277 pesos. CONCLUSIONS: The HLON represents an important problem for the IMSS causing social and economic impact. If they don't take some actions to improve the quality of chronic acoustic trauma diagnosis it will have more serious consequences.