Introduction: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is one of the most reported symptoms of COVID -19. Previous studies have identified olfactory training (OT) as an important treatment for postinfectious OD, but little is known about its effect after SARS-CoV-2 infection and how it can be optimized. Objective: To assess whether OT can be optimized if performed intensively, with more fragrances over a shorter period in patients with persistent OD after COVID -19. Also, to determine the presence of other variables related to OD and treatment response in this population. Method: This multicenter randomized clinical trial recruited 80 patients with persistent OD with previous COVID-19 for less than three months. The patients were divided into two groups, who received treatment with 4 and 8 essences over four weeks. Subjective assessments and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) were performed before and after treatment. Results: A significant improvement in olfaction was measured subjectively and on UPSIT in both groups, but without significant differences between groups. In addition, the presence of olfactory fluctuation was associated with higher UPSIT scores. Conclusion: These data suggest that intensifying the training by increasing the number of essences for 4 weeks does not show superiority over the classical method. Moreover, a fluctuating olfactory ability seems to be related to a better score in the UPSIT.

Objetivo caracterizar o perfil auditivo de trabalhadores de uma lavanderia hospitalar. Método estudo transversal, realizado numa lavanderia de um hospital público em Curitiba-PR, com 95 trabalhadores de ambos os sexos, média de idade de 38,23. Realizou-se análise dos documentos do Programa de Controle Médico e Saúde Ocupacional e do Programa de Prevenção de Riscos Ambientais da lavanderia, mensuração do ruído, avaliação auditiva com aplicação de anamnese, audiometria tonal limiar, imitância acústica e teste de emissões otoacústicas evocadas por estímulo transiente. Analisou-se os audiogramas por critérios clínico e ocupacionais (Norma Regulamentadora 7). Resultados os níveis de ruído encontrados foram de 77,0 a 99,0 dB(A), houve 37,89% audiogramas alterados, destes 18,94% com características sugestivas de Perda Auditiva Induzida por Ruído, principalmente entre os dobradores de roupas. O teste de Emissões Otoacústicas Evocadas por Estímulo Transiente demonstrou ausência de respostas em 13 sujeitos com ausência de emissões em alguma das orelhas. Conclusão a lavanderia é um local de risco para a perda auditiva. Desse modo, medidas preventivas, por meio de Programas de Preservação Auditiva, devem ser adotadas.

Purpose to carry out a characterize the hearing profile of workers from a hospital laundry. Method crosscut study, with 95 workers, males and females, age averaging 38.23, held at the laundry of a public hospital located in the city of Curitiba, Parana State/Brazil. Documental laundry analysis was carried out (Medical Control and Occupational Health Program and Environmental Risk Prevention Program), noise measurement, anamnesis-applied hearing evaluation, tonal threshold audiometry, acoustic immittance, and transient otoacoustic emission testing. Audiograms were analyzed through clinical and occupational criteria (Labor Ministry/ Regulatory Norm 7). Results noise levels found were 77.0 to 99.0 dB(A), 37.89% audiograms were altered, among them, 18.94% suggesting noise-induced hearing loss, mainly among the clothes folders. The test of otoacoustic emissions showed no transient responses in 13 subjects with no emissions in some ears. Conclusion the laundry is a hazardous place for hearing loss, thus preventive measures, such as Hearing Conservation Programs must be adopted.

Introduction Industry workers are exposed to different environmental risk agents that, when combined, may potentiate risks to hearing. Objective To evaluate the effects of the combined exposure to noise and solvents on hearing in workers. Methods A transversal retrospective cohort study was performed through documentary analysis of an industry. The sample (n = 198) was divided into four groups: the noise group (NG), exposed only to noise; the noise and solvents group (NSG), exposed to noise and solvents; the noise control group and noise and solvents control group (CNS), no exposure. Results The NG showed 16.66% of cases suggestive of bilateral noise-induced hearing loss and NSG showed 5.26%. The NG and NSG had worse thresholds than their respective control groups. Females were less susceptible to noise than males; however, when simultaneously exposed to solvents, hearing was affected in a similar way, resulting in significant differences (p < 0.05). The 40- to 49-year-old age group was significantly worse (p < 0.05) in the auditory thresholds in the NSG compared with the CNS. Conclusion The results observed in this study indicate that simultaneous exposure to noise and solvents can damage the peripheral auditory system.

A prática de tiro é uma atividade que expõe o policial militar ao ruído de impacto, o que pode causar efeitos irreversíveis na audição. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento sobre o ruído e os efeitos do ruído de impacto entre policiais militares que fazem prática de tiro. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Caso controle retrospectivo. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Participaram 115 militares, sendo 65 expostos ao ruído de impacto e 50 não expostos. Foi realizada a avaliação do nível de ruído das armas de fogo, aplicado um questionário, realizada audiometria tonal limiar e teste de emissões otoacústicas transiente e produto de distorção. RESULTADOS: O nível médio de ruído foi de 125Db (C), a maioria (78%) acredita que o ruído pode causar perda auditiva, 92,3% utilizam protetor auricular nas práticas de tiro, mas grande parte (32,3%) nunca recebeu orientação quanto ao seu uso, o sintoma mais referido foi o zumbido (23%) e 25% dos expostos apresenta perda auditiva sugestiva de induzida por ruído. Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação às alterações auditivas. CONCLUSÃO: Os militares expostos ao tiro são mais suscetíveis a desenvolver perdas auditivas. Há necessidade do desenvolvimento de Programas de Preservação Auditiva nesta população.

Shooting is an activity that exposes military personnel to noise impact, which may cause irreversible effects on hearing. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate impact noise on the hearing of military personnel that practice shooting. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control retrospective study. METHODS: 115 military personnel were enrolled; 65 had been exposed to impact noise and 50 were non-exposed. Firearm noise levels were evaluated, subjects answered a questionnaire and underwent threshold tonal audiometry and otoacoustic emissions testing. RESULTS: The average noise level was 125dB(C). Most subjects (78%) believe that noise may cause hearing loss; nearly all (92.3%) used ear noise protectors while shooting, but most (32.3%) had never received guidance for using this equipment. There were significant differences between the two groups in relation to changes suggesting impact noise-induced hearing loss. CONCLUSION: The differences between groups show that noise-exposed military personnel are more likely to develop hearing loss. The goal of a hearing conservation program for this population should be to preserve hearing and educate these individuals about the importance of using hearing protection correctly.