OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of auditory monitoring using the NIOSH method, in relation to the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. METHOD: This was a retrospective, descriptive study of secondary data. We obtained audiological data from 101 individuals employed by a civil aviation company, exposed to noise exceeding 80 dB. Data of those who showed abnormalities compared to the benchmark test were entered into an audiological management spreadsheet. All testing adhered to NIOSH parameters: sequential examinations without a hearing rest. We then analyzed the auditory threshold retest exams for confirmation. RESULTS: The results showed that 95 of 101 employees (94%) had normal hearing thresholds;6 employees (6%) had thresholds suggestive of NIHL. The evolutionary analysis revealed a high prevalence of stable results (99 employees; 98%) vs. those suggestive of worsening NIHL (2 employees; 2%). However, among15 employees (15%) who showed NIHL in the exam without rest, only 6 (6%) exhibited NIHL after retesting with auditory rest. This subset of employees may be highly susceptible to noise. Notably, if the testing had been performed according to Ordinance 19, with the rest, these employees could not have been identified. CONCLUSION: Auditory monitoring conducted according to the principles of the American Law (NIOSH) was effective in identifying those with results below benchmark values. The NIOSH guidelines were also effective in identifying thosewith increased susceptibility to noise, which is of paramount importance for the purpose of prevention.
