Occupational Noise — The Unavoidable Health Hazard

Abstract

threat to physical and psychological well-being, the sounds of our technology follow us through our working, leisure, and sleeping hours. Noise sources are multiplying rapidly. The industrial and technological development of urban society is producing an increasing number of devices with higher noise outputs. Noise is an insidious pollutant. Subjectively, one does not realise its deep psychological impact. Hearing loss is a prime example. Initial sensory damage occurs in sensitivity to the upper frequencies. Loss of awareness of these frequencies may not be noticeable to the victim until as much as 40 per cent of hearing is permanently lost. Within working en vironments, loss of hearing is possible the most common occupational hazard. Glorig suggests that approximately 6 million American workers suffer from impaired hearing due to continuous high intensity noise throughout their occupational lives. A recent study has shown that 9 per cent of all new hires have a compensable hearing loss.