Noise-induced hearing loss
Permanent sensorineural hearing loss caused by prolonged or repeated exposure to high levels of noise at work. A reportable occupational disease in GB and Ireland and a recordable illness under OSHA.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“noise-induced hearing loss”Exact equivalentA reportable occupational disease under RIDDOR 2013, Schedule 3, when occupational deafness is diagnosed in a person employed in a noisy occupation. Health surveillance under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 must include audiometric testing for workers regularly exposed above the upper EAV.
Irish HSA
“noise-induced hearing loss”Close equivalentA notifiable occupational disease under Irish reporting regulations. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2006 require audiometric testing for workers regularly exposed above the upper EAV.
US OSHA
“noise-induced hearing loss”NIHLClose equivalentA recordable illness under 29 CFR 1904 when work-related and constituting a significant threshold shift. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95(m) requires employers to record standard threshold shift in workers covered by a hearing conservation programme.
Practitioner note: Irreversible, and painless as it develops. By the time a worker notices the loss, the damage is permanent.