Noise exposure Flashcards
What is NIHL? (noise induced hearing loss).
It is the type of hearing loss associated with noise damage or acoustic trauma. Ex (gunfire, military, machinery, concerts, explosions, etc).
NIHL is also known as:
Man made hearing loss
What is TTS and PTS?
- TTS (temporary threshold shift): noise exposure that can cause hearing thresholds to shift for an amount of time and return back to normal).
- PTS (permanent threshold shift): noise exposure that can cause hearing thresholds to shift permanently.
What are 3 symptoms associated with NIHL?
- Tinnitus
- Hyperacusis
- Abnormal pitch perception
What is the primary site for of lesion for gradual NIHL?
Outer hair cells (OHCs)
Which frequency region is affected first?
The high frequencies (mainly 3-6kHz with 4kHz having the worst hearing loss).
OHCs are affected when there is a 40-60 dB hearing loss, at what point do the IHCs get affected?
When there is prolonged exposure and the hearing loss exceeds 60 dB HL.
What is the difference between dBA and dBC? Which scale do we use and why?
Both dBA and dBC are based on the loudness curves.
- dBA needs 40 dB SPL = 40 phons at 1kHz
- dBC needs 100 dB SPL = 100 phons at 1kHz.
Because dBC needs 60 dB SPL more, we don’t use it because it is too loud. It is most appropriate to use dBA.
What are 5 important aspects of hearing conservation programs?
- Noise reduction efforts
- Measurement of noise exposure
- HPDs (hearing protection devices)’
- Audiometric surveillance
- Education of workers
What are the two types of exchange rates (noise)? Which one do we use in Canada?
- 5 dB exchange rate
- 3 dB exchange rate, we use 3 dB
How many hours can someone be exposed to at 85 dBA?
8 hours
How many hours can someone be exposed to at 94 dBA?
1 hour
Can someone be exposed to 100 dBA? How much time would they be able to be in that condition?
15 minutes
When TTS occurs, what happens in the cochlea?
The tip links break between the OHCs and they lose contact with the tectorial membrane. This can cause a reduction in blood flow of the cells, but once removed from the sound environment they can heal.
When PTS occurs, what happens in the cochlea?
An overexposure of noise can lead to metabolic changes in the cells and results in loss of oxygen (hypoxia) causing the cells to die.