[Effects of earplugs on the development of hypoacusis and extra-aural pathology in workers exposed to industrial noise].

Using an EC computer and Medstat-85 software, statistical multivariate analysis of data accumulated during 20 years of examinations of 210 workers of a textile (twisting) shop was performed. Out of these subjects 70 persons used antiphones (of ear plugs) continuously, 70 workers used them occasionally, and 70 subjects did not use them at all. It was found that hearing impairment and concomitant vascular disorders developed at an earlier stage and in a greater extent in those workers who never used ear plugs. The noise-induced changes proved more expressed than age-related vascular pathology.