What is occupational noise-induced hearing loss?
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a form of hearing impairment resulting from prolonged exposure to loud noise in the workplace. Jobs in industries such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and certain types of machinery operation can expose workers to high levels of noise over extended periods. The continuous exposure to loud sounds can damage the sensitive structures in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. Prevention measures, such as the use of ear protection devices like earplugs or earmuffs and implementing engineering controls to reduce noise levels in the workplace, are crucial in mitigating the risk of occupational NIHL. Employers often conduct regular hearing conservation programs and provide hearing protection to safeguard workers from the detrimental effects of prolonged exposure to high noise levels on their hearing health.