Noise-induced hearing loss and hearing protective devices

Authors

  • S.M. Abel Silverman Hearing Res. Lab., Mount Sinai Hospital Res. Inst., Toronto, Ont., Canada

Keywords:

acoustic noise, hearing, hearing loss, hearing protective devices, Canada, high-level noise exposure, sound attenuating, ear canal

Abstract

Longitudinal studies of hearing in workers in selected industries in Canada have shown that the effect of continuous high-level noise exposure is an increase in detection threshold of about 1 1/2 decibels per year. This is in contrast to 1/2 dB per year for non noise-exposed office workers in the same plants. Personal hearing protectors, in the form of ear plugs and muffs, have been chosen as an effective, inexpensive and easily implemented method of hearing conservation. However, behavioural experiments simulating the noise background in the industrial environment have shown that the use of these devices may give rise to difficulties in detecting warning signals and defects in the materials worked on, as well as in the perception of speech. This is particularly true in the case of individuals who have already sustained a moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss, either through noise exposure or aging. To improve both hearing and comfort, many try to alter the device physically. This, of course, will result in a decrease in its sound attenuating capabilities. An experiment in progress is investigating the possibility of prescribing protectors on an individual basis, taking into account both hearing status and shape and size of the ear canal. Relatively little information is available on ear canal morphology. It appears that some types of widely used insert devices are less effective in reducing sound for women because of poor fit to their relatively smaller ear canals

Additional Files

Published

1987-01-01

How to Cite

1.
Abel S. Noise-induced hearing loss and hearing protective devices. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 1987 Jan. 1 [cited 2024 Sep. 13];15(1):11-6. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/571

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (1987)

Section

Technical Articles

License

Author Licensing Addendum

This Licensing Addendum ("Addendum") is entered into between the undersigned Author(s) and Canadian Acoustics journal published by the Canadian Acoustical Association (hereinafter referred to as the "Publisher"). The Author(s) and the Publisher agree as follows:

  1. Retained Rights: The Author(s) retain(s) the following rights:

    • The right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display the Work on the Author's personal website or the website of the Author's institution.
    • The right to use the Work in the Author's teaching activities and presentations.
    • The right to include the Work in a compilation for the Author's personal use, not for sale.

  2. Grant of License: The Author(s) grant(s) to the Publisher a worldwide exclusive license to publish, reproduce, distribute, and display the Work in Canadian Acoustics and any other formats and media deemed appropriate by the Publisher.

  3. Attribution: The Publisher agrees to include proper attribution to the Author(s) in all publications and reproductions of the Work.

  4. No Conflict: This Addendum is intended to be in harmony with, and not in conflict with, the terms and conditions of the original agreement entered into between the Author(s) and the Publisher.

  5. Copyright Clause: Copyright on articles is held by the Author(s). The corresponding Author has the right to grant on behalf of all Authors and does grant on behalf of all Authors, a worldwide exclusive license to the Publisher and its licensees in perpetuity, in all forms, formats, and media (whether known now or created in the future), including but not limited to the rights to publish, reproduce, distribute, display, store, translate, create adaptations, reprints, include within collections, and create summaries, extracts, and/or abstracts of the Contribution.