The Effect of Noise on Human Ears

According to National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), is a health hazard. The institute says 30 million people are at risk, and it is the second most self-reported, work-related illness or injury. There are 22 million Americans between ages 20 and 69 that have permanent noise-related hearing problems, according to the institute.

Noise

• Noise is subjective and can be difficult to define. American Speech Hearing Language Association reports that noise expert K.D. Kryter defined it as "acoustic signals which can negatively affect the physiological or psychological well-being of an individual." The human ear threshold starts at 0 decibels. At 130 db, noise is physically painful. Anything over 80 db is dangerous.

Primary Effects

• Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS), Permanent Threshold Shift, (PTS), acoustic trauma, and tinnitus all comprise the primary noise-induced effects category. TTS occurs after short-term noise exposure and seems to dissipate over time. In PTS, cells and nerves inside the inner ear are lost, and hearing is damaged irreparably. A piercing sound like an explosion is classified as acoustic trauma. Tinnitus, known as "ringing in the ears," has many causes, including a gunshot, head injury, diet, stress, jaw disorder, prolonged aspirin, and stress, according to the US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Communication And Performance Effects

• Working in noisy environments makes communication and concentration difficult. Noise can cause people to be irritable and annoyed, and it can reduce efficiency and cause low morale.

Physical Reaction Effects

• In loud environments, muscles tighten, and human blood vessels physically constrict. Pulse quickens, blood pressure rises-and hormones behave abnormally. Noise creates additional physical problems like stress-related ulcers, sleep loss and general fatigue.

Prevention

• At work, minimize your risk of hearing damage with protective gear. Rest ears frequently and schedule regular hearing exams.