ABSTRACT
Apart from the noise from sirens and alarms, firefighters are also exposed to numerous chemicals and combustion products that may have ototoxic effects and aggravate a situation of hearing loss (Lees, 1995). It has recently been shown to trigger apoptosis and cell injury due to oxidation caused by the presence of excess free radicals formed by sound stimulation or by exposure to certain chemical agents. Studies of substances and conditions that protect cochlear hair cells against harmful noise and chemicals have been conducted (Oliveira, 2001). These professionals represent a population whose noise exposure data are difficult to obtain due to environmental factors, labor standards and the unpredictability of emergency responses (Kelly & Schwennker, 2013).
