Hearing loss occupational noise-induced

The modern industrial worksite can be a noisy place. This poses two safety and health related problems. First, there is the problem of distraction. Any operation that requires oral communication will suffer from a noisy environment. Interference with communications can create misunderstandings about information transmitted from one person to another. When such communications relate to hazardous activities, any misunderstandings can lead to accidents. Second, there is the problem of hearing loss. Exposure to noise that exceeds prescribed levels can result in permanent hearing loss. Occupational exposure to loud sounds is the most common cause of what is often called noise-induced hearing loss. 

T/F) Occupational noise-induced hearing loss occurs over a period of several years. 

Robinson, D. W., 1976 Characteristics of occupational noise-induced bearing loss, in D. Henderson, R. P. Hamemik, D. S. Dosjanjh, and J. H. Mills (eds.). Effects of noise on hearing. Raven Press, New York,... 

Hwang, Y.H., H.Y. Chiang, M.C. Yen-Jean, and J.D. Wang. 2009. The association between low levels of lead in blood and occupational noise-induced hearing loss in steelworkers. Sci. Total Environ. 408(l) 43-49. 

The possible adverse effects of excessive noise exposure on hearing have been weU-estabhshed (Sliwinska-Kowalska et al., 2007, Nandi et al., 2008). To prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss, collective measures can be taken to reduce the overall noise level at the work layout (Bies et al., 2003). Hearing protection is only used when these interventions are insufficient or unfeasible. Noise can be controlled by blocking the noise at the source, along its path from the source to the receiver, and at the end receiver (Hsu et al., 2004). 

Nandi, S.S. Dhatrak, S.V. 2008. Occupational noise-induced hearing loss in India. Indiam Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 12, 53. 

G. Occupational ototoxicity is common but is usually noise induced rather than chemical related. Preexisting noise-induced hearing loss may magnify the impact of common ototoxic drugs. 

Use of hearing protection in both occupational and non-occupational environments is intended to help reduce noise exposure levels and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In the absence of feasible engineering and administrative noise reduction control methods, use of earplugs or earmuffs is common practice. Unfortunately there are still many myths surrounding the use and effectiveness of hearing protection devices (HPDs). In this article, some of the more common myths and the realities are addressed. 

Occupational illness may involve skin diseases or disorders caused by work exposure to chemicals, plants or other substances. They may be respiratory conditions associated with breathing hazardous biological agents, chemicals, dust, gases, vqjors, or fumes at work. They may also be poisonings, noise-induced hearing loss, or other occupational illnesses. 

Noise-induced hearing loss is a serious and irreversible condition. However, it is not the type of occupational injury that typically requires days away from work for recuperation. Beginning January 1, 2003, record work-related hearing losses of 10 decibel shifts that result in a total 25 decibel shift above audiometric zero. 

Leensen,M.C.J.,VanDuivenbooden,J.C. Drescliler,WA. 2011. A retrospective analysis of noise-induced hearing loss in the Dutch construction industry. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 84, 577-590. 

Noise is simply defined as unwanted sound. Exposm-e to noise can result in occupational deafness (noise-induced hearing loss), fatigue, speech interference and stress. In some cases, noise can be a contributory factor in industrial accidents. Noise nuisance from, for instance, industrial processes, can result in fatigue, stress and a range of psychosomatic s)unptoms. 

The 249,000 occupational illnesses included repeat trauma such as carpal tunnel syndrome, noise-induced hearing loss, and poisonings. It is my professional opinion that many occupational illnesses go unreported when the employer or worker is not able to link exposure with the symptoms the employees exhibit. In addition, physicians fail to ask the right questions regarding the patient s employment history, which can lead to the commonest diagnosis of a cold or flu. This has become very apparent with the recent occupational exposure to anthrax where a physician sent a worker home with anthrax without addressing potential occupational exposure hazards. Unless the physician is trained in occupational medicine, he or she seldom addresses work as the potential exposure source. 

Although it is physically an injury to the hair cells of the inner ear, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is considered and documented as an illness by OSHA. This article examines noise-induced hearing loss as both an injury and illness, and looks at ways to use leading indicators to prevent occupational hearing loss. 

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