What are the characteristics of noise-induced permanent hearing loss?
The main characteristics of noise-induced hearing loss are: • Noise-induced hearing loss is a cumulative process: both level of noise and exposure time over a worker’s work history are important factors. • At a given level, low-frequency noise (below 100 Hz) is less damaging compared to noise in the mid-frequencies (1000 – 3000 Hz). • Noise-induced hearing loss occurs randomly in exposed persons. • Some individuals are more susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss than others. • In the initial stages, noise-induced hearing loss is most pronounced at 4000 Hz but it spreads over other frequencies as noise level and/or exposure time increases. Does aging affect hearing? Hearing sensitivity declines as people become older. This medical condition is called presbycusis. Again, just like noise-induced hearing loss, everyone is not affected equally. Age-related hearing loss adds to noise-induced hearing loss. Hearing ability may continue to worsen even after a person stops work in a noisy env
