Factors Related to Dizziness in Workers With Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the factors related to dizziness in workers with noise-induced hearing loss in Brazil. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample from noise-induced hearing loss reports (2007–2019). The dependent variable in this study was dizziness, and the independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, symptoms, and noise characteristics in the work environment. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: A total of 3,824 individuals with noise-induced hearing loss in Brazil were analyzed. The prevalence of dizziness was 23.4% in the sample. Factors associated with dizziness were women (odds ratio [ OR ]: 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.64, 2.69]), hypertension ( OR : 1.68; 95% CI [1.38, 2.06]), headache ( OR : 6.31; 95% CI [5.26, 7.57]), tinnitus ( OR : 3.46; 95% CI [2.82, 4.25]), and continuous noise at the work environment ( OR : 1.54; 95% CI [1.22, 1.94]). Conclusions: The factors associated with the outcome—dizziness—were gender (female), systemic arterial hypertension, headache, tinnitus, and continuous exposure to workplace noise. Such findings demonstrate the importance of promoting a multifactorial approach to understanding dizziness among workers exposed to occupational noise.