Correlation between blood group and noise-induced hearing loss

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between blood group and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 176 factory workers who had been exposed to a noise level of 85-90 dB for 8 h a day for a period of > or = 10 years. Pure-tone audiometric measurements were performed in a standard silent room. The blood groups of the workers were obtained from the factory files. RESULTS: NIHL was found in 23 (32.0%), 35 (58.3%), 10 (38.5%) and 7 (38.9%) persons with blood groups A, O, B and AB, respectively. NIHL was determined to be significantly more frequent in workers with blood group O. CONCLUSION: We suggest that people with blood group O are more prone to develop NIHL.