Health Encyclopedia

Occupational hearing loss

Definition

Occupational hearing loss is damage to the inner ear from noise or vibrations due to certain types of jobs or entertainment.

Alternative Names

Hearing loss - occupational

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Occupational hearing loss is a form of acoustic trauma caused by exposure to vibration or sound. Sound is heard as the ear converts vibration from sound waves into impulses in the nerves of the ear.

Sounds above 90 decibels (dB, a measurement of the loudness or strength of vibration of a sound), particularly if the sound is prolonged, may cause such intense vibration that the inner ear is damaged.

90 dB is about the loudness of a large truck about 5 yards away. Motorcycles, snowmobiles, and similar engines range around 85 to 90 dB.
100 dB is reached by some rock concerts.
120 dB is a jackhammer from 3 feet away.
130 dB is a jet engine from 100 feet away.

A general rule of thumb is that if you need to shout to be heard, the sound is in the range that can damage hearing.

Some jobs, such as construction, airline ground maintenance, farming, and jobs involving loud music or machinery, carry high risk for hearing loss. In the U.S., the maximum job noise exposure is regulated by law. Both the length of exposure and the decibel level are considered. If the sound is at or greater than the maximum levels recommended, protective measures are required.

Symptoms

The main symptom is partial or complete hearing loss. The hearing loss may get worse over time.

Signs and tests

A physical examination will not usually show any specific changes. Tests that may be performed include:

Audiology/audiometry may determine the extent of hearing loss.
A head x-ray or CT scan of the head may be used to rule out other causes of hearing loss, including other forms of acoustic trauma.

Treatment

The hearing loss may be permanent. The goal of treatment is to improve any remaining hearing and develop coping skills (such as lip reading).

Using a hearing aid may improve communication. Always protect the ear from further damage, for example, wear ear plugs in noisy areas.

Expectations (prognosis)

Hearing loss is often permanent in the affected ear. The loss may be progressive if measures are not taken to prevent further damage.

Complications

Hearing loss may progress to total deafness.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if hearing loss occurs, gets worse, or if other new symptoms develop.

Prevention

Protect your ears when you are exposed to loud noises. Wear protective ear plugs or earmuffs to protect against damage from loud equipment. Be aware of risks connected with recreation such as shooting a gun, driving snowmobiles, or other similar activities. Do not listen to loud music for long periods of time.

Review Date:10/20/2006
Reviewed By:Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.