A group of 74 miners, aged 19-35 years, exposed to industrial noise at average level of 82-88 dBA for 1.5 to 15 years were examined by means of otoacoustic emission (TEOAE). The group was divided into three subgroups, depending on the duration of noise exposure. The results obtained in miners were compared to the results of the control group nonexposed to noise at the workplace. Otoacoustic emission was weaker in subjects exposed to noise. Significant differences in responses were found in subgroups II and III as compared to controls. The results were compared to the data reported by other authors. The role of otoacoustic emission in providing information about dynamics changes in hearing impairment, depending on the duration of noise exposure, in subjects exposed to industrial noise, was emphasised.