Introduction:

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss can cause limitations or restrictions, such as in some social and work activities. Oral communication may be impaired and there may be a decrease in the ability to monitor the work environment (with a higher risk of occupational accidents).

Objective:

To evaluate the perception of workers about the restriction of participation related to NIHL.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional, quantitative study. 49 workers participated, with audiograms suggestive of PAIR. The noise level, the audiometries and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) questionnaire were analyzed.

Results:

Participants were men, most were between 40 and 49 years old and less than 10 years old. The average noise level was 87.61 dB (A). Regarding NIHL, the loss was of the bilateral neural sensor type and according to the BIAP classification, the mild degree predominated. Concerning the social, emotional and total scores of the HHIA questionnaire, auditory participation restriction was found ranging from mild to moderate in the emotional and total domains.

Conclusion:

Workers with a possible NIHL presented a restriction of auditory participation in the emotional and total scales, and could negatively impact the social participation and quality of life. This reinforces the need to prevent NIHL through hearing prevention programs, as well as auditory rehabilitation for these workers.

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