Abstract
Introduction / framework / objectives Vibrations and noise are two reasonably prevalent occupational risk factors and, in many situations, present together. If a pathophysiological association between them is real, it will be very relevant to verify this, in order to readjust, if necessary, the vibration and noise limits considered safe. Methodology This is an Scoping Review, initiated by a September 2019 survey of the “Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, CINALH plus with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: Comprehensive, MedicLatina, Academic Search Ultimate, Science Direct, SCOPUS and RCAAP.” Content Some researchers have quantified higher hearing losses in workers simultaneously exposed to noise and vibrations; however, workers exposed to vibration from work instruments are generally also exposed to higher levels of noise. If there is a pathophysiological link between these two occupational risk factors, it is believed that this may be related to the theory of sympathetic vasoconstriction (observed in white-finger syndrome) and may also damage the cochlea, producing ischemic damage to the hair cells. Another hypothesis points out that some work tools may give rise to vibrations that can reach the inner ear directly, through bone conduction (especially at the temporal level). Conclusions Most of the studies consulted did not have a very robust methodology that allows a rigorous evaluation of whether the most intense hypoacusis in individuals simultaneously exposed to vibration results from a true pathophysiological association, or if it is only a statistical bias. It would be interesting for occupational health teams to investigate on clients with workers simultaneously exposed to these two risk factors (and, if possible, with combinations of different intensities), in order to produce knowledge capable of enhancing occupational health and safety.
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