Lead and minor hearing impairment

Schwartz, J; Otto, D

HERO ID

49207

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1991

Language

English

PMID

1953038

HERO ID 49207
In Press No
Year 1991
Title Lead and minor hearing impairment
Authors Schwartz, J; Otto, D
Journal Archives of Environmental Health
Volume 46
Issue 5
Page Numbers 300-305
Abstract We examined data recorded for 3 545 subjects aged 6-19 y who participated in the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Survey. We sought to confirm a relationship between blood lead levels and elevated hearing thresholds that we previously reported in a similar study in which data from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used. Lead was associated with an increased risk of hearing thresholds that were elevated above the standard reference level at all four frequencies (i.e., 500 Hz, 1 000 Hz, 2 000 Hz, and 4 000 Hz). Lead was also associated with hearing thresholds when they were treated as a continuous outcome. The relationships appeared to continue at blood lead levels less than 10 μg/dl. An increase in blood lead, from 6 μg/dl to 18 μg/dl, was associated with a 2-dB loss in hearing at all frequencies, and an additional 15% of children had hearing thresholds that were below the standard at 2 000 Hz.
Doi 10.1080/00039896.1991.9934391
Pmid 1953038
Wosid WOS:A1991GP05800006
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English