Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Question 1

What is Acoustic Trauma

Answer 1

Acoustic Trauma is the immediate onset of hearing damage as a result of exposure to very loud noises

Question 2

Conductive hearing loss is?

Answer 2

The result of defects in the conducting parts of the hearing mechanism, i.e. of the outer and middle ear.

Question 3

Sensorineural hearing loss is?

Answer 3

Associated with damage to the inner ear and the mechanisms implicated in generating and interpreting the nerve impulses.

Question 4

Tinnitus is?

Answer 4

Sensation of sound (e.g. a ‘ringing’ of the ears) when there is no acoustic source

Question 5

impacts of hearing loss on military personnel

Answer 5

Medical downgrading

•Employment restrictions

•Social impact

•Medical discharge.

Question 6

how to assess the risk of NIHL and acoustic trauma and manage the noise environment

Answer 6

Identify the risks (from equipment or activities)

•Identify the people at risk (including any at particular risk)

•Reliably estimate or measure noise and personal noise exposures

•Compare exposure to legal limits

•Provide a plan for what control measures are necessary.