Avaliação de perda auditiva, inflamação e depressão em trabalhadores expostos ao ruído e a mineração

Abstract

Hearing loss is the most common sensory disability amongst human beings and can be related to depression. The most frequent types are presbycusis and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). There is a gap in the knowledge of the relationship between hearing loss, inflammation and depression, as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically amongst those exposed to occupational noise, such as mining. Bearing this standpoint in mind, the present work aims to evaluate the relationship between NIHL, depression and inflammation amongst workers exposed to occupational noise. A case-control study will be carried out at Samarco, a mining company located in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais. Individuals diagnosed with normal hearing will form the control group. Information about exposure to occupational noise will be obtained with interviews, which will consist of a semi-structured questionnaire as well as an in loco research that will determine the sound levels workers are exposed to. An audiological test will measure hearing ability. In order to assess depression levels, the psychometric scale of Becks Depression Inventory (BDI) will be used. Biological parameters will be assayed with the use of the ELISA method (Enzyme-linked Immusorbent Assay). With the aid of the present analysis, the pro-inflammatory state mediated by the cytokines, in regards to the relation between NIHL, inflammation and depression, further investigation will be able to explore the following hypothesis and help to provide more comprehensive studies about the role played by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF - , IL - 1, IL- 6 and their relationship with NIHL.