[Occupational loss of hearing in the workers employed in the railroad transportation].

The prevalence of occupational deafness and factors contributing to its development are considered in the context of the present-day structure and causes of hearing disturbances in the subjects employed in railway transportation occupations. Special emphasis is laid on expert examination of their professional suitability. The most <> professions and operational areas in the railroad sector are identified as fraught with the highest risk of development of occupational deafness. Specific features of this pathology are considered with reference to the patients' age and duration of occupation in the railroad sector. Drawbacks in organization of periodic prophylactic medical examination are analysed; the most challenging tasks for the development of preventive measures against negative effects of occupational noise on the subjects employed in the railroad sector are discussed.