Prevention of Hearing Loss from Exposure to Noise

Abstract

In a number of countries occupational hearing loss has been accepted as a compensable injury. Eventually hearing conservation has become an important part of industrial hygiene. General trends of hearing conservation programs are given. Hearing damage risk should be calculated from exposure time, intensity and frequency analysis of hazardous noise. The first, preferably pre-employment, otologic and audiometric examination should be detailed.

Headlines of noise abatement and ear protection are mentioned. Resulting damage risk reduction should be calculated. Employees should have the opportunity to control their ear protection during working hours.

Protection against sound waves from explosions follows separate lines.

Monitoring audiometry is the key-stone of the program. Special data cards are of importance for the control of the employees and for the evaluation of the results of the hearing conservation program.

These cards should be issued by state authorities and on request submitted for statistical analysis.