Can You Hear Me Now? Articulating Noise Assessments and Hearing Loss

摘要

Noise has been recognized as an occupational hazard since the 1700's. Noise is considered unwanted sound and is a by-product of many industrial operations. Sound results from pressure changes in air due to vibration. Overexposure to noise results in hearing loss. The extent of hearing loss depends upon loudness and duration of exposure. Noise-induced hearing loss can start out as a temporary effect from short-term exposure and recovery occurs after removal from exposure. This effect is experienced by many people after attending a loud concert. This reversible effect is called a Temporary Threshold Shift (TST). Repeated and chronic overexposure to noise can result in permanent hearing loss, called a Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS). Occupational hearing loss results in difficulty in hearing and communicating with coworkers, family members and the general public and feelings of isolation. In the workplace it causes reduced safety awareness and accidents, lack of perception of forklifts and warning alarms, and reduced productivity. Tinnitus, ringing in the ears, can also be experienced.