On the Progression of the Noise-Induced Occupational Hearing Loss
With Special Reference to the Aging
2001 Volume 44 Issue 6 Pages 592-599
Details
2001 Volume 44 Issue 6 Pages 592-599
The progressiveness of the noise-induced hearing loss, especially in relation to the aging, was studied. First, the cross-sectional analysis was done on the hearing of 727 employees of a metal mine with special reference to their working years and age. Second, the hearing status of 208 cases with occupational noise-induced hearing loss, including the retired members of advanced age, were analyzed in relation to their ages. It was concluded that the noise-induced hearing loss appears and progresses rapidly during the initial 15 years of exposure, then after it tended to slow down. The hearing deterioration, however, continues for the whole period of employment and even after retirement. The amount of hearing deterioration is not the result of a simple addition of the age-related hearing loss.
