noise related hearing loss Flashcards
1
Q
what can be some causes of noise related hearing loss?
A
- occupational with prolonged industrial exposure
- recreational e.g loud music
- accidental e.g blast injury,
gunfire
2
Q
what are the characteristics of noise related hearing loss?
A
- always sensorineural
- often accompanied by high-pitched tinnitus
- affects hair cells of the inner ear
- typically bilateral
high frequencies are affected first
3
Q
how can occupational noise related hearing loss be avoided?
A
needs aggressive use of noise protection
foam-insert earplugs
NB: cannot treat, its irreversible
4
Q
how is diagnosis made?
A
GP can do hearing test
if there is a loss of hearing can refer to audiologist
5
Q
what are the symptoms?
A
The symptoms are usually vague feelings of pressure or fullness in the ears, speech that seems to be muffled or far away, and a ringing sound in the ears that you notice when you are in quiet places.
hearing loss occurs gradually
