Module 5: Noise Induced Hearing Loss - Introduction

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:

• History.
• Audiograms. These are exercises which will be discussed in the lecture session. Answers will be provided at a later stage.
       Audiogram 1
       Audiogram 2
       Audiogram 3
       Audiogram 4
       Audiogram 5
       Audiogram 6
  
• RTS.