# Development of a clinical investigation protocol for occupational auditory health

## TL;DR

This paper presents a new clinical protocol to assess and support decision-making for occupational hearing health.

## Contribution

A novel clinical investigation protocol for occupational auditory health was developed using Design Thinking methodology.

## Key findings

- The protocol includes six sections covering medical history, lifestyle, and auditory symptoms.
- It aims to assist audiologists in diagnosing and managing occupational hearing issues.
- The protocol supports data collection and clinical decision-making in occupational health settings.

## Abstract

Considering that noise is present in different work environments,
occupational health regulations have been created that advocate for the care
of employees’ auditory system in these environments. Occupational hearing
assessment should be performed by audiologists through audiological
examinations, otoscopy, as well as an interview to assess possible risk
factors for the development of hearing loss. However, up to the present
moment, a standardized set of updated questions for this interview has not
been defined.

To develop a clinical investigation instrument for occupational auditory
health that provides support for clinical decision-making and differential
diagnosis.

The study was conducted using Design Thinking as a methodological approach in
its stages of inspiration (problem identification), ideation (theoretical
foundation and protocol design), and prototyping (protocol
construction).

This study was conducted with the objective of providing support for clinical
decision-making and differential diagnosis of the auditory aspects of the
assisted population. The Protocolo de Investigação
Clínica da Saúde Auditiva Ocupacional was developed,
consisting of six main sections that address medical history, lifestyle
habits, exposure to non-occupational noise, work history, extra-auditory
symptoms, and auditory and vestibular signs and symptoms, aimed at
investigating workers’ auditory health and related aspects.

The developed instrument can be used for data collection and assist
audiologists in the occupational health teams in diagnosis and
decision-making processes.