Alternate Names: Hearing loss - occupational
Causes and Risks: Occupational hearing loss is a form of acoustic trauma caused by exposure to vibration or sound. This may commonly occur with certain occupations or entertainments.
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. Ninety decibels is about the loudness of a large truck about 5 yards away. A jackhammer emits sounds of about 120 dB from 3 feet away, and a jet engine emits sound of about 130 dB from 100 feet away. Motorcycles, snowmobiles, and similar engines range around 85 to 90 dB, and a rock concert may approach 100 dB. 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 entertainment involving loud noise from 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 extent (decibel level) of exposure are considered. If exposure is at or greater than the maximum exposure, protective measures must be taken.
Prevention: Protect your ears if they 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.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests: An examination will not usually show any specific changes.
Treatment: The hearing loss may not be correctable. Treatment is aimed at improving residual hearing and developing coping skills.
Surgical reconstruction of the eardrum and the bones of the middle ear may occasionally be attempted to correct the hearing loss.
Protect the ear from further damage. Use a hearing aid, if necessary, to improve communication. Develop skills such as the use of visual cues and lip-reading. Use other technology and skills as appropriate to the extent of hearing loss.
Prognosis: Hearing loss is often permanent in the affected ear(s). The loss may be progressive if measures are not taken to prevent further damage.
Complications: Hearing loss may progress to total deafness.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if hearing loss occurs.
If you have occupational hearing loss, call for an appointment with your health care provider if the hearing continues to decrease, or if other new symptoms develop.
