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Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

Authors
Oregon Worker Illness and Injury Prevention Program
Source
Putting Data to Work. Portland, OR: Oregon Department of Human Services, 2009 Mar; :1-10
Link
http://library.state.or.us/repository/2007/200710191249085/DHS_ph_ophp_docs_Edition7Noise.pdf
NIOSHTIC No.
20039578
Abstract
Hearing loss can be caused by occupational and recreational noise as well as genetic factors, diseases (e.g., otosclerosis, Meniere's disease), drugs and medications, trauma, tumors, and aging. Hearing loss that is specifically the result of continuous or intermittent exposure to loud noise over a long period of time is referred to as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Of the 40 million Americans who suffer from hearing loss, 10 million can be attributed to NIHL. Exposure to loud noise is an important and serious issue. Children, teenagers and adults are all at risk for developing NIHL. For instance, some children's toys make noise that is capable of permanently damaging their hearing. Playing instruments, attending concerts and listening to music at a high volume are common activities that can contribute to hearing loss. The use of lawn mowers, power tools and other loud equipment can also permanently damage a person's hearing. Exposure to high levels of noise is also of concern because it can cause other conditions and symptoms including anxiety, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, stress, and tinnitus (ringing in the ear).
Keywords
Injury-prevention; Safety-education; Work-operations; Risk-analysis; Hearing-disorders; Hearing-loss; Hearing-protection; Hearing-conservation; Exposure-assessment; Exposure-limits; Transportation-industry; Age-factors; Construction-industry; Noise-levels; Noise-induced-hearing-loss; Noise-exposure
Contact
Oregon Department of Human Services, Public Health Division, Office of Environmental Public Health Toxicology, Assessment & Tracking Services Section (TATS), 800 NE Oregon Street #640 Portland, OR 97232
Publication Date
20090301
Document Type
Newsletter
Funding Type
Cooperative Agreement
Fiscal Year
2009
Identifying No.
Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U60-OH-008472
Priority Area
Services; Wholesale and Retail Trade
Source Name
Putting Data to Work
State
OR
Performing Organization
Public Health Services, Portland, Oregon
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division