How common is noise induced hearing loss?
Noise induced hearing loss is the second most common type of hearing loss after presbyacusis (old age associated hearing loss), and all age groups can be affected. There is a slight male bias, but it is still unknown if this is a result of occupational status (such as working with heavy machinery) or an increased vulnerability to NIHL. Studies show that deafness from noise exposure at work (often termed industrial deafness) is a serious community problem. For example, a study of the farming industry in Australia indicated that over two-thirds of farmers had hearing loss attributable to noise exposure. Researchers are now predicting an increase in recreational noise induced hearing loss with the increase in use of personal stereos at excessively amplified levels. How can I tell if noise has damaged my hearing? Noise damage can be temporary or permanent, and you may not recognise damage to your hearing immediately. Temporary hearing loss is recognised as a change in your hearing after a
