Noise-induced hearing loss

Category

Chronic Poisoning

Acute/Chronic

Chronic

Synonyms

Sensorineural hearing loss: NIHL

Comments

Presbycusis (sensorineural hearing loss in older people) results mainly from aging and noise exposure. Prevalence rates of hearing impairment are >1/3 in people >65 and >1/2 in those >75. [Merck Manual, p. 816] Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) was listed in 1991 as one of the 64 sentinel health events that cause preventable disease and disability in workers. [Mullan, p. 782] "The prevalence of NIHL is declining in most industrialized countries, probably due to preventive measures. Hearing loss is mainly related to increasing age." As a risk factor for occupational hearing loss, chemicals are a "low risk"; the level of evidence is "low." [PMID 26249711] OSHA regulates noise exposures at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA; [LaDou, p. 162] See "Solvent-induced hearing loss."

Diagnostic

Audiogram: graphs the softest sounds that the subject can hear as a function of frequency; NIHL first affects hearing around 4000 Hz; After prolonged or severe exposure, the speech frequencies (500-3000 Hz) are affected; [LaDou, p. 160]

ICD-9 Code

388.10

ICD-10 Code

H83.3

Reference Link

Agents

Hazardous agents that cause the occupational disease:

• Noise