[Audiograms from coalminers of the Anna mine (author's transl)].

1240 coalminers were examined otoscopically and by audiogram. For all age groups and for the collective mean value and standard deviation, thresholds for hearing (dB) were calculated. The audiograms obtained showed sloping changes which involved low and high frequencies and indicated that the understanding of conventional speech was impaired. The investigation also shows that a rising number of claims for damages for hearing loss in miners will occur in the near future. However, coalminers should be motivated to use personal hearing protection through standard conservation measures.