Evidence-Based Case Report: Combined Exposure Whole Body Vibration and Noise in Worker’s Hearing Loss

Introduction. A loader driver at PT. P was found to have hearing loss in recent years with measurements of a noisy work environment of 85 dB and a whole-body vibration of 1.99 m/s2. EBCR aims to determine the risk of hearing loss in workers exposed to noise and whole-body vibration compared to noise only. Methods. The literature search was conducted to identify studies using four electronic databases with the keywords Worker OR Employee AND Whole-body vibration AND noise AND Hearing loss OR Hearing Impairment. Results. From the search method, we found 85 relevant articles, and after the selection process obtained two qualified articles. Based on two articles that conducted critical appraisals, there are differences in methods, tools used to measure hearing loss, research subjects, and research results. Discussion. These two studies are located in Iran in 2019 and 2020, both articles used different methods: retrospective cohort and RCT. The subjects of the study were a railway worker and a driver, who were divided into case and control groups. measurement tools using STS and DPOAE, and the results of the study show that there are differences in DPOAE at frequencies of 2625 Hz and 3937.5 Hz but no difference in STS. Differences in results between the two studies could occur due to differences in study design and measuring instruments Conclusion. Based on evidences, this EBCR conclusion is inconclusive (low recommendation) because of a lack of research on clinical questions.