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| Module 1: Occupational Hygiene - Section 5: Instrumentation |
| OH5.3: Occupational Noise Exposure - Introduction |
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| Module 1: Occupational Hygiene - Section 5: Instrumentation |
| OH5.3: Occupational Noise Exposure - Introduction |
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Noise is one of the most common occupational health hazards. Workers in the manufacturing, construction, transportation, agriculture and mining industries are exposed to noise that is potentially harmful to their hearing.
Exposure to too much noise can cause damage to hearing ability. The harmful effect can be a result of short term exposure to loud (impact) sound and/or chronic exposure to loud sound levels 2. Noise damages the sensitive parts of the inner ear causing what is referred to as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
The types of health effect that may result from noise exposure can be divided into two groups - auditory and non-auditory effects. Auditory effects are those effects that interfere with the hearing ability of a worker 2. This effect makes it difficult for a worker to communicate with other workers or to hear warning signals. As a result the worker will feel isolated and lonely and will be at increased risk of being involved in an accident. Examples of auditory effects include temporary or permanent hearing loss, distorted perception of speech sounds produced by others, and constant ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Non-auditory effects are those effects that are caused by exposure to too much noise but do not involve hearing ability. Examples of non-auditory effects include anxiety, insomnia and fatigue. Noise exposure also causes high blood pressure (hypertension).
