Noise - What are the OHS risks?
Most people's ears are very sensitive to noise. Loud noise can affect nerve cells in the inner ear and cause a temporary reduction in hearing. Most temporary hearing loss recovers within 24 hours under quiet conditions. It may be accompanied by a ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.
Noise-induced hearing loss
If people are exposed to loud noise continuously over a period of time, the nerve cells in the inner ear may eventually die. This condition is called noise induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Of those affected with NIHL, 20 per cent or more also suffer from tinnitus, which is debilitating in itself and can contribute to other conditions, such as depression.
NIHL usually occurs gradually over many years, much like hearing loss due to ageing. At first, people don’t notice any change in their hearing. However, over the years more and more nerve cells become damaged and die, and the effect on hearing becomes noticeable.
Exposure to sudden loud noises, such as explosions, gun shots or heavy hammering can also cause NIHL. If loud enough, such noises can cause immediate permanent damage.
Effects of NIHL
Once hearing loss has occurred a person may find it difficult to take part in normal conversation or use the telephone. They may become less confident in social and work situations.
Hearing loss can affect people’s ability to communicate and keep in touch with the world around them, and affected people often suffer a feeling of isolation.
Some people may become withdrawn because they are embarrassed about not hearing properly. Not only does this affect their social and work life, it may place pressure on family life.
Hearing loss may decrease their efficiency at work, and accidents may occur when instructions or warning signals cannot be heard or are not understood properly.
Noise induced hearing loss is permanent and currently cannot be cured or repaired through medication or surgery. Hearing aids may only offer limited benefit