Audiometric notch for the prediction of early occupational hearing loss and its association with the interleukin-1beta genotype

OBJECTIVES: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a frequent and irreversible industrial-health problem, the early diagnosis of which can prevent hearing deterioration, especially of speech frequencies. This study aimed to assess hearing impairment in workers occupationally exposed to noise. Audiometric notches and IL-1β gene polymorphisms were evaluated. METHODS: The study included 98 workers employed in a textile factory. Pure-tone audiometric testing was conducted for all workers, using a manual pure-tone diagnostic audiometer, and the noise level was measured at four different work sites in a spinning section. IL-1β gene polymorphism was determined using PCR-RFLP methods. RESULTS: Workers were exposed to a mean noise level of 105.5 dB. As many as 27.6% of them complained of tinnitus and the majority suffered from some degree of hearing loss in either ear, but none of them exceeded 60 dB. Audiometric notches were detected in either one or both ears. Only 28.6% of workers showed the absence of notches. The TT genotype of IL-1β polymorphisms was dominant in 49% of the workers, whereas TC was predominant in 39.8% and CC in 11.2%. The CC genotype was associated with smoking (54.5%) and audiometric notches (100%). The IL-1β genotype distribution showed no significant difference with or without tinnitus. CONCLUSION: This study showed an association between the CC genotype and smoking as well as audiometric notches in workers occupationally exposed to noise. Workers showing audiometric notches should be followed up regularly. Further studies are required to confirm the interrelationship amongst tinnitus, audiometric notches, and IL-1β genotypes.