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M Sliwińska-Kowalska

Publications and source records attributed to M Sliwińska-Kowalska.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

[Verified maximum admissible intensity (MAI) values for the ultrasonic noise in work environment].

The measurement methods and occupational exposure limits for ultrasonic noise (airborne ultrasound) are described. Typical sources of ultrasonic noise and sound pressure levels measured at workplaces are discussed. The verified Polish regulations on maximum admissible intensity (MAI) values for ultrasonic noise in the work environment and proposals of exposure limits for workers at particular risk (i.e. pregnant women and juveniles) are presented.

Female↗
PubMed2001

[Revised maximum admissible intensity (MAI) values for infrasonic noise in work environment].

A short review of infrasound sources is presented. The measuring methods and occupational exposure limits for infrasonic noise (infrasound) are described. The amended Polish regulations on maximum admissible intensity (MAI) values for infrasonic noise in work environment and proposals of exposure limits for workers at particular risk (i.e. pregnant women and juveniles) are discussed.

Auditory Threshold↗
PubMed2001

[Hearing impairment in the plastics industry workers exposed to styrene and noise].

Styrene exerts ototoxic effect in animals, and the combined exposure to this solvent and noise produces a synergistic effect relative to the isolated exposure to noise. However, there is a lack of reliable evidence that chronic occupational exposure to styrene is ototoxic to humans. Neither has been documented its additive effect with noise. The present study was aimed to assess hearing impairment and the risk of hearing loss in workers exposed to both styrene and noise. The study group included 72 male workers occupationally exposed to styrene in the plastics industry. The results were compared with two control groups, matched by age, gender and personal traits: one group composed of 82 male workers employed in a printing house and exposed only to noise at the levels almost twice as high as those observed in the group exposed to styrene and noise, and the other consisted of 65 male workers exposed neither to solvents nor to noise at workplace. In the group exposed to styrene and noise, significantly increased average hearing loss, as compared to both control groups, was found at all frequencies (1-8 kHz). The risk of hearing loss in the group exposed to styrene and noise was seven times higher (RR: 6.6; 3.0-15.9) than in the non-exposed group, and four times higher (RR: 4.0; 1.8-9.1) than in when workers exposed only to noise. However, no relationship could be observed between the amount of styrene exposure and hearing impairment, taking account of the confounding effect of noise and age. The results of the study suggest that the exposure to solvent mixtures with styrene as a basic component may exert additional, to noise, adverse effect on the auditory organ.

Acetone↗
PubMed2001

[Standardized new method for measuring vibration perception].

The examination of the vibration perception is one of the basic measurements applied in the evaluation of the peripheral neuropathies in hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) The detailed guidelines on how this kind of examinations should be performed, presented in the 1998 ISO standard, differ substantially from those currently binding in Poland. The aim of this study was to standardize the method of vibration perception measurements, taking account of the parameters consistent with the ISO recommendations, such as algorithm (stimulus presentation method), vibration frequency, the size and contact force of vibrating probe, as well as the comparison of the results obtained by means of both methods (ISO-recommended method and standard Polish method). It was found that the algorithm change (ascending method replaced by Bekesy's technique, recommended by ISO) did not affect the of the vibration perception thresholds values within the wide range of frequencies (32-500 Hz), whereas the decreased size of probe, pressed with smaller contact force, resulted in significantly higher values of perception thresholds within the frequency range of 125-400 Hz. The comparison of the outcomes of the ISO-recommended and Polish standard methods revealed that the perception thresholds did not differ at the frequency of 125 Hz, but at the frequencies of 250 and 400 Hz, the ISO-recommended method produced higher values. Moreover, at the frequencies ranging from 125 to 400 Hz, the results of the perception threshold measurements, taken several times in the same persons (intrasubject variability) by means of both methods, were more scattered. It was revealed that the measurements at the frequency range of 4-125 Hz should be included in the vibration perception examinations, and the certification of the ability to work in the conditions of exposure to hand-arm vibration should be based on their results. It is also essential that in the standard examination, a smaller vibratory probe (phi = 5 mm) and lighter contact force (0.1 N) than those currently used, should be applied.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Assessment of hearing impairment in workers exposed to mixtures of organic solvents in the paint and lacquer industry].

Clinical and experimental studies indicate a possible harmful effect of chemicals, especially organic solvents, on the hearing system. In combined exposure to noise and solvents, very common in industry, it is most likely that a synergetic action of these factors enhances the traumatising effect of exposure to noise. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and the risk of hearing impairment in 117 paint and lacquer factory workers exposed to a mixture of organic solvents. An analysis of organic solvent mixtures reveals that xylene and ethyl acetate are their major components whose concentrations depend on individual workposts. The control group consisted of 76 workers exposed to noise exceeding, Threshold Limit Value and 125 healthy subjects exposed neither to noise nor to solvents in their occupational setting. Pure tone audiometry revealed the highest hearing thresholds in workers exposed to solvents, lower thresholds in those exposed to noise, and the lowest ones in the non-exposed individuals. Hearing loss was found in 30% of workers exposed to organic solvents, in 20% of noise-exposed subjects, and in only 6% of non-exposed subjects. The comparison of relative risk values also indicated significantly enhanced probability of hearing impairment in workers of the paint and lacquer factory (9.6; 3.2-25.6), which is even more strongly pronounced than in the group of subjects exposed to noise (4.2; 1.2-13.2). An analysis of hearing impairment risk in particular frequencies suggests that organic solvents may damage the inner ear in much greater extent than noise. The results of the study show that exposure to organic solvents may create a significant risk of hearing impairment. Therefore, further steps should be taken to include the exposed population into effective preventive programmes.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Evaluation of voice quality in students from teaching colleges].

Vocal disorders are very common occupation-related disease in teachers. Their remarkable incidence might be associated with inappropriate techniques of speech and poor vocal hygiene. The aim of this study was to assess the function of vocal organ including voice emission technique in persons starting their teaching occupation. The study group included 66 female students at Teaching College. Their were thoroughly interviewed and subjected to laryngological, phoniatric and videostroboscopic examinations. All subjects reported subjective symptoms after vocal effort. Hoarseness and throat dryness were the most common. In the majority of students functional vocal disorders were observed. In 30% of them insufficiency of glottis and in four (6.1%) students soft vocal nodules were found. Signs and symptoms of vocal diseases were more frequent in a subgroup of students exposed to increased vocal effort during their professional education. The results indicate that young teachers are not sufficiently prepared for increased vocal strain, apparently associated with their profession. It is indeed necessary to introduce preventive programs including special training of appropriate speech technique, into the curricula of schools for teachers.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[The application of otoacoustic emissions measurement in the assessment of the function of cochlear efferent fibers: the study of normal hearing subjects].

It has been shown by L. Collet in 1990 that the contralateral noise stimulation causes the decrease in the amplitude of otoacoustic emissions in the ipsilateral (tested) ear. This effect is linked to the activation of crossed efferent fibres in the cochlea. This non-invasive method is becoming a useful tool in assessing the function of efferent system in human. In this study the effect of contralateral noise stimulation was assessed in 10 young subjects with normal hearing. The contralateral stimulation caused the decrease in the amplitude of both transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) in the majority of tested ears. The statistically significant effect was observed already at the intensity of noise of 40 dB (A). At the lower level of noise (30 dB-A) the small increase in the amplitude of otoacoustic emissions in some ears was observed. The suppressive effect of contralateral stimulation depended clearly on the intensity of noise; the higher intensity of noise, the greater suppressive effect was seen. However, the decrease in the otoacoustic emissions was very small (usually in the range from 1 to 2 dB), which may limit practical application of this method in the assessment of the function of efferent system.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed1999

[Otoacoustic emission nonlinear distortions in musicians with absolute and relative pitch].

In the presented study an analysis was performed of the properties of the cochlea using Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE). 52 musicians were examined, aged 17-31 years, with systematic musical training longer than 10 years, and 30 non-musicians without musical experience, aged 18-30 years. Then all musicians were tested with Rakowski's test to divide them into the absolute pitch possessors (APP) and relative pitch possessors (RPP). DPOAE recorded in musicians were statistically higher than in nonmusicians for f2 = 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kHz for signal intensities generally ranged from 45 to 55 dB SPL. Analogous comparison between APP and RPP showed higher DPOAE for f2 = 2.0 and 4.0 kHz in APP but the differences were not statistically significant. Simultaneously no significant differentiations were observed between investigated groups for highest signal intensities in the whole frequency band. The study suggests that systematic musical training influences the cochlear mechanics assessed by DPOAE and the greatest differences concern the active processes within the cochlea. The continuation seems to be justified.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Hair cell regeneration in a chicken's inner ear after damage due to exposure to industrial noise].

In mammals, the damage to the hair cells of the inner ear due to exposure to noise or other ototoxic agents is irreversible. In fish, reptiles and birds, however, the hair cells may regenerate, probably from the supporting cells. This regeneration process in the inner ear is being intensively examined in animals in the hope of curing the sensorineural hearing loss in human subjects in future. The aim of the study was to assess hair cell regeneration in the inner ear of chicks after exposure to industrial noise, depending on the level of exposure. The birds were exposed either to the noise at the level of 110 dB (A), 4 hours a day, for 5 consecutive days, or at the level of 125 dB (A), 8 hours a day, for 5 consecutive days. The results confirm that the regeneration starts immediately during the period of recovery from acoustic trauma, and the supporting cells are the main source for new, developing hair cells. Moreover, we found that the complete damage to hair cells is not necessary to the proliferation of supporting cells and that the intensity of proliferation of these cells depends on the level and time of exposure.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Environmental exposure to electromagnetic fields and the risk of cancer].

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of power-line frequency are very common in the human environment. Electric tractions and transmission lines of high voltage are their major sources, however, household appliances are also involved in generating EMFs. Although their biological effect has not as yet been well documented, they evoke an increasing concern as being suspected of their carcinogenic effect. This concern arises mainly from epidemiological studies, which indicate an increased risk for leukemia in children living in the vicinity of transmission lines of high voltage. The author presents a review of epidemiological and experimental studies on a possible effect of power-line frequency EMFs on the development of neoplastic diseases. Epidemiological data obtained to date shows that power-line frequency EMFs do not induce cancer risk and if this is the case the risk is marginal (relevant risk of 1-4 order). Nevertheless, this risk seems to be more evident in occupational than in environmental exposure. The results of experimental studies carried out on animals disclose a possible effect of EMFs as a factor contributing to the development of cancer induced by a known carcinogen. In order to answer the question put in the title it is necessary to continue a large scale investigations especially experimental ones.

Electromagnetic Fields↗
PubMed1998

The morphological structure of the chick's basilar papilla: a light and transmission electron microscopic study.

The basilar papilla corresponds to the cochlea of mammals and is becoming a common model of assessment of the regeneration process which takes place after the damage to the inner ear caused by noise or ototoxic drugs. In this study the morphology of a chick's basilar papilla in light and electron microscopy is described. There are two types of hair cells (sensory cells): the tall hair cells and the short hair cells, whose morphology and pattern of innervation are different. The tall hair cells correspond to the inner hair cells in mammals, which are responsible for sound transduction. They are mainly innervated by the afferent (cochlear) fibers. The short hair cells correspond to the outer hair cells in mammals, which are responsible for the sound amplification. They are mainly innervated by the efferent fibers. The supporting cells, whose morphology is also described in the study, separate the hair cells from each other and from the basilar membrane. They are considered to be a source for regenerating hair cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Is otoacoustic emission useful in the differential diagnosis of occupational noise-induced hearing loss?].

It is very difficult to distinguish between occupational noise-induced hearing loss and other diseases with cochlear hearing loss by the means of conventional audiometric tests. Otoacoustic emission measurement is a relatively new tool for assessing the inner ear function. It gives an opportunity of monitoring the status of the outer hair cells, the elements which are the most sensitive to noise-induced damage. In this study the results of distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurement in subjects with industrial noise-induced hearing loss, presbycusis and hearing impairment caused by gentamycin, are presented. In all these cases pure-tone audiometry revealed similar shape of the audiograms with cochlear hearing loss mainly at high frequencies. In the cases of industrial noise-induced hearing loss, DPOAE measurements demonstrated a very typical shape of DP-gram with the decrease (notch) in otoacoustic primarily at the frequencies of 3-4 kHz. Such a notch in DP-grams was not observed in the cochlear hearing loss caused by factors other than noise. The data indicate that otoacoustic emissions may be useful in the differential diagnosis of occupational noise-induced hearing loss.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗
PubMed1995

[The usefulness of impedance audiometry for the diagnosis of occupational hearing loss].

The use of impedance audiometry for determining hearing threshold and locating hearing impairments was investigated in 112 people exposed to occupational noise. Tympanometry and the stapedius reflex threshold measurements (ART) were made using Madsen ZO 2020 set. The comparison of ART findings, particularly the interval between tonal audiometric threshold and stapedius reflex threshold, helped to diagnose cochlear location of hearing impairment in 17 subjects (15.2%) and extracochlear in 70 (62.5%) out of all the examined subjects. The analysis of the study results has confirmed the usefulness of impedance audiometry also when patients' simulation has to be excluded in the case of their claiming compensation for occupational hearing loss.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗
PubMed1995

[Evoked otoacoustic emissions in humans with normal hearing].

The aim of the study was to assess and compare click-evoked otoacoustic emissions (e-OAE) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOE) in normally hearing subjects. The study was conducted on 48 ears in adults (12 women and 12 men; the age ranging from 16 to 40 years). E-OAE and DPOE was present in all examined ears. The amplitude of e-OAE ranged from 3.4 to 23.5 dB SPL (mean 11.7 +/- 4.95 dB SPL). In women the mean amplitude was slightly higher than in men. Spectral analysis of e-OAE revealed the highest level of otoacoustic emissions at the frequency 1000 Hz and significant decrease e-OAE at frequencies above 4500 Hz. DPOE were registered within the range of frequencies from 700 to 6000 Hz. Thus, DPOE allowed to measure otoacoustic emissions additionally in the high frequency region. We found significant variability in DPOE detection thresholds ranging from 25 to 70 dB SPL. Both types of otoacoustic emissions revealed significant inter-subject variability and very good test-retest repeatability. We conclude that both measurements allow to assess the function of the cochlea in the frequency specific regions, but DPOE, because of using pure tones stimuli, is more specific. The reference-values for adults are presented in this study.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed1995

[Characteristics of hay fever during pollen season with regard to the influence of specific immunotherapy. I. Clinical course and biochemical changes in nasal lavage].

Nasal lavage is a useful tool for monitoring of inflammatory process in pollinosis. In 27 patients with pollen allergy the nasal lavage was performed before, during and after pollen season. The concentration of total protein, albumin and lysozyme were determined in obtained fluid. In one group Pollinex (Bencard) was applied before pollen season, and in the second one--placebo in similar injections. The concentrations of total protein in nasal lavage fluid was significantly lower after the pollen season in both analyzed groups. On the other hand, the concentrations of albumin and lysozyme were increased during pollen season relatively to values before and after the season. In patients treated with Pollinex observed values after the season were lower than in placebo group.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Course of hay fever during the pollen season with respect to the effect of specific immunotherapy. II. Cytologic changes and chemotactic activity in nasal lavage].

The cytological changes and chemotactic activity in nasal lavage fluid were observed in 27 patients with pollen allergy. In one group of patients Pollinex was administered, but in the second--only placebo. Total cell count in nasal secretions was increased after pollen season. The significant increase of eosinophils and metachromatic cells was observed during the season in comparison with the time before and after it. No seasonal dynamic was documented in chemotactic activity of neutrophils in the nasal lavage fluid. Applied immunotherapy gave a some protection on evaluated parameters and observed symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Electric response audiometry and compensational noise-induced hearing loss.

With the current epidemic of compensation claims for occupational noise-induced hearing loss, the number of claimants in whom hearing test results do not reflect the true hearing status still inexorably increase. The incidence of a such cases with feigned hearing loss is reported at between 20 and 25 per cent of all patients being tested. Searching for any reliable indicators useful in uantifying a valid hearing thresholds the authors present their own experience with the electric response audiometry (ERA) by the use of the Amplaid MK 10 system a series of 56 malingerers. A suggested test protocol including the click-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and the 40 Hz logon-evoked middle latency responses (MLR) is discussed as a promising method for determining a frequency-specific threshold.

Adolescent↗