Module 5: Noise Induced Hearing Loss - Introduction |
OBJECTIVES |
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
- identify Noise Induced Hearing Loss, and,
- distinguish it from other causes.
|
DEFINITION OF NIHL:
Noise Induced hearing Loss (NIHL) is a sSensori-neural hearing loss around 4KHz caused by excessive exposure to loud sounds.
WHO IS AT RISK?:
- People exposed to an average of 85dB(A) or more over an 8 hour period.
What about longer shifts? 5dB rule.
- People exposed to impact noise.
Peak damage.
- Explosions and gunfire (Acoustic Trauma).
How is this different?
PREVENTION:
- Reduce the noise (Noise Control Engineering).
- Reduce exposure period.
- Prevent noise from reaching the cochlea (PPE).
TREATMENT:
- None.
- Counseling.
- Hearing Aids.
DIAGNOSIS:



Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health (DOH) - Modules 3 – 5: Occupational Medicine & Toxicology by Prof Rodney Ehrlich & Prof Mohamed Jeebhay is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.healthedu.uct.ac.za/