PREVENTION OF NOISE-INDUCED HEARING-LOSS

Sounds of sufficient loudness and duration will damage the human ear r esulting in temporary or permanent hearing loss, often accompanied by tinnitus. Irreversible inner ear damage from repeated sound overstimul ation can occur at any age, including early infancy, resulting in perm anent noise-induced hearing loss. A typical noise-induced hearing loss impairs the understanding of speech sounds, which could degrade perfo rmance in the classroom and on the job. Utilizing current knowledge ab out ear protection, noise-induced-hearing loss is entirely preventable except in cases of accidental exposure. Unfortunately, widespread and consistent use of appropriate ear protection devices by individuals a t risk has been an elusive public health goal. (C) 1994 Academic Press , Inc.