Industrial deafness also commonly known as noise-induced hearing loss or occupational deafness is a condition that develops from prolonged exposure to loud sounds in a workplace.
It is a common occupational hazard that cuts across different industries, from the music industry to manufacturing plants.
“The good news is that if the symptoms of industrial deafness are detected early enough the condition can be reversed.”
In addition, people who work in loud workplaces are protected by law and certain measures have to be put in place to curb the condition.
Categories of Industrial Hearing Loss (Industrial Deafness)
Hearing loss can be the process of aging, but loud workplaces tend to speed up this condition. Industrial deafness varies in degree of hearing damage and can be broadly classified into four categories:
1. Tinnitus
This is often temporary, but in some it is permanent. It is characterized by a buzz or a ring. Persons affected by Tinnitus can experience the buzz on either side of the head or both.
The condition is similar to the feeling after being subjected to loud music over a long time – like in a concert. It makes carrying on normal activities like holding a conversation difficult.
2. Temporary Hearing Loss
This condition occurs when a person is exposed to loud noise continuously for a long time. As the name suggests hearing is often restored after some time, usually a day or two.
3. Permanent Hearing Loss
This condition results from years of exposure to loud noise. When a worker is exposed to such a condition day in day out the hearing organs are damaged slowly.
A person inflicted by Permanent Hearing Loss often finds it hard to hear other people or even listen to radio/TV.
“At times he may also hear a ring in the head.”
4. Acoustic Trauma
This condition is caused by a burst of loud noise. The burst of noise can be one-time or a series. These sudden bursts of noise are one of the causes of industrial deafness.
All these categories of hearing loss can be mitigated if workers wear ear protection. They may also be curtailed by limiting the hours of noise exposure to the workers.
Causes of Industrial Deafness
To better understand Industrial Deafness it may be best to understand its causes. As aforementioned the hazard is found in numerous industries and workplaces.
The major causes of industrial deafness include:
1. Extended Exposure To Loud Noise
If you are exposed to loud noise every day they chances that you may suffer from occupational deafness are high.
This includes exposure to machines and equipment at the workplaces that produce loud noises. It is compounded by working in such conditions without ear protection.
2. A burst of Loud Noise
You may not be exposed to prolonged noise, but if your workplace has equipment that produces a burst of noise you are still at risk of industrial deafness.
The probability of developing complications with your hearing is worsened if the burst of noise is sporadic and you do not use ear protection.
If you work in any of the situations highlighted in the causes of industrial deafness and are experiencing hearing problems, for instance, having difficulty keeping up with a conversation in a normal setting, it is best you get checked by a physician.