Noise & Noise Induced Hearing Loss

• Fully Diagnostic Audiology performed to medico-legal standards identifies the extent and cause of both noise and noise related hearing losses.  Full advice with regard to the forward management of any hearing loss is provided
• Screening Audiometric programmes interpreted to the HSE classification to assess general hearing status of the employee population

General Information

Exposure to excessive work place noise (generally noise levels in excess of 80dB(A) continuously heard over an eight hour period or sudden impact noise in excess of 110dB(A)) is likely to lead to noise induced hearing loss (NIHL).

1. If the hearing test is typical of noise exposure when tested following a noise free interval the loss is irreversible
2. NIHL affects millions of employees many who are unaware that their hearing is poor due to the effects of noise at work
3. Noise can cause other adverse effects such as tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the head or ears) or stress
4. NIHL is a condition which is readily compensated and millions of pounds of insurance losses are resultant of this condition yearly

• Place a general duty of employers to reduce the risk to hearing to the lowest level reasonably practicable
• The employer must make available hearing protection, information, instruction and training when the daily noise level reaches 80dB(A)
• The employer must control noise at source and make hearing protection a compulsory measure if noise levels exceed 85dB(A)
• Noise level at the ear must not exceed 87dB(A) taking into account hearing protection
• Appropriate Occupational Health support should be available to employees and this should include access to a hearing test