The Effects of Noise

Question 1

Characteristics of Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Answer 1

• not an immediate and dramatic effect
• no visible effects on ear
• gradual
• cannot tell until frequencies of 500, 1000, and 2000, Hz
• first detected at 4000 and 6000 Hz
• poor- pitch discrimination in crowds
• can extend into speech tones
• hyperacusis

Question 2

Hyperacusis

Answer 2

• perception of a significant increase in loudness when there is only a slight increase in volume of a sound

Question 3

Progressive Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Answer 3

• found most often in the workplace
• gradual and progressive over time
• daily exposure over many years
• external hair cells in the inner ear are damaged and cannot be replaced
• Often temporary (TTS)
• Repeated exposure can result in a permanent threshold shift
• tinnitus
• susceptibility of individual workers determines the amount of hearing loss

Question 4

Temporary Threshold Shift

Answer 4

• being exposed to noise daily can tire the ear which can be a reduction in hearing loss
• can recover in 12-14 hours

Question 5

Permanent Threshold Shift

Answer 5

• repeated exposure to noise
• when the temporary shift becomes permanent
• new temporary shift builds on the permanent loss

Question 6

Tinnitus

Answer 6

• ringing in the ears
• accompanies both TTS and PTS
• warning signs of potential hearing loss

Question 7

Acoustic Trauma

Answer 7

• Rare
• happens from a sudden very loud noise like an explosion
• damage can be in the middle and outer ear
• may or may no be permanent

Question 7

Extra-Auditory effects from noise

Answer 7

• insidious
• may be harmful and go unnoticed
• can effect the cardiovascular system
• can increase HR, hormone levels, blood cholesterol, and other substances in the blood
• can also cause physical fatigue
• irritability and annoyance

Question 8

Two main causes of hearing loss in the workplace

Answer 8

• excessive noise and acoustic trauma

Question 9

Impact noise

Answer 9

• Sudden loud noise from gunfire