Otoneurological screening of civil construction workers performing work at height

ABSTRACT

Purpose:

to investigate the prevalence of otoneurological signs and symptoms in construction workers at the health campus of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) that perform their functions at height.

Methods:

the cross-sectional observational study consisted of 33 construction workers. The Protocolo Ofício de Gestão de Diagnóstico Otoneurológico (Otoneurological Diagnosis Management Service Protocol) was used, which is composed of medical case history, vestibular tests including Dix Hallpike test and Positional Nystagmus, vestibular dynamics evaluation using Head Shaking Nystagmus test, static and dynamic balance tests, cerebellar exam, complementary investigation of the cranial nerves, completion/conduct and orientation. The data were entered into a SPSS 13.0 spreadsheet, considering significant the differences up to the level of 5%.

Results:

all participants were male. The average age was 38.1 years, ranging from 21 to 65 years. One third of the participants showed changes in screening due to complaints about imbalance and/or tinnitus. Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant difference in the group with complaints of imbalance in relation to the variables of circulatory dysfunctions, headache and use of medicines; the last was also statistically significant in the group with tinnitus.

Conclusion:

one third of the construction workers who perform work at height presented otoneurological screening results that indicate alteration.

Keywords:
Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; Postural Balance; Occupational Groups; Construction Industry