Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Question 1

What is NIHL (Noise Induced Hearing Loss)

Answer 1

Damage occurred through either gradual or instantaneous noise exposure

Question 2

What are some of the factors that cause NIHL

Answer 2

Nature of the noise
• Duration
• Intensity
Individual characteristics
• Genetics
• Behaviour

Question 3

What is the Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) mean?

Answer 3

A temporary reduction in hearing following exposure to loud sounds
The loss is SNHL occurs at around half an octave above the most intense frequency; between 3-6kHz for most noise sources and for music

Question 4

What does a Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS) mean?

Answer 4

Occurs when the hearing threshold can no longer recover following TTS and is a common occurrence

Question 5

What is Acoustic trauma?

Answer 5

Acoustic trauma occurs following exposure to a single event involving an extremely intense noise e.g. an explosion or gun fire.

Question 6

What neurotransmitter does the IHC release when exposed to noise?

Answer 6

Glutamate

Question 7

What does PTS look like? (4 points)

Answer 7

• OHC Death
• Bilateral Loss
• Audiometric Notch
• Poorer blood supply found with 3-6kHz

Question 8

What is safe exposure time for noise between 90-95dB?

Answer 8

1-2 hours

Question 9

What is safe exposure time for noise between 100-115dB?

Answer 9

7.5-15 minutes

Question 10

What is safe exposure time for noise above 130dB?

Answer 10

66 seconds!

Question 11

What is safe exposure time for noise for 85dB?

Answer 11

8 hours anything below that is considered safe

Question 12

How can we protect our hearing?

Answer 12

Reduce intensity of noise is possible
Set noise limits on devices
Take regular breaks from noise
Wear hearing protection such as earplugs or noise cancelling headphones