Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Industrial exposures to high noise levels can affect the hearing in workers. It is a slow process and mostly not noticed until it is quite advanced. It is an irreversible process.
It is prevented by the hearing conservation program, which is as follows.
Hearing conservation Program
Principle Features
Noise survey – Detailed noise survey is carried out by the qualified occupational health team in the areas of hazard to hearing.
Audiometry– Workers who are exposed to noise above 9 dB are periodically subjected for audiometric tests.
Hazard evaluation – The damage caused is assessed by the cause-effect relationship obtained from analysis of the results.
Noise reduction – The hazards due to excessive noise are communicated to the concerned administrator in the industry, so that he can take the necessary step to control the noise.
Hearing – Insert type devices e.g. ear plug and ear muff are used , depending on the acceptance of worker and the attenuation capacity of the protective device. The ear plugs are small and can be carried easily. The can be worn along with other personal safety equipment like helmets and glasses. They are comfortable. Ear muffs can be worn even in the presence of minor ear infections. They give more protection than ear plugs.
First Aid in establishment
- The employer should develop it. He should lay down regulation and their associated code of practices and bring these to the notice of all concerned.
- It should apply to all people at work.
- He should provide a first- aid room for providing treatment for minor injuries and medical disorders. The location of room should be such that there is easy access to stretcher and ambulance.
- First –aid boxes and kits should be made available on shop floor to be used by any person at all times, I the absence of a first aider. All the employees should be given training to ensure that they can use these kits effectively.
