Photo credit: energepic.com
by Daniel Fink, MD, Chair, The Quiet Coalition
According to a recent report in BMJ Psychology, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) affects job performance and work-related quality of life. The study showed that NIHL was negatively associated with individual job performance and work-related quality of life, and positively associated with workplace aggression.
The results aren’t surprising. As the authors state, “exposure to occupational noise can have a plethora of effects on workers.” The researchers are at institution I am not familiar with and I lack the background to understand the statistical analysis, but the study passed the peer review and editorial processes.
We usually don’t cover occupational noise issues because workers in the United States have National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limits and Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limits to protect them. They also have the workers compensation system to provide care for occupational NIHL. But the public has no such protections. Similar occupational noise exposure regulations and workers compensation programs are common in most countries in the industrialized world.
But I made an exception in this case. Hearing loss from any cause affects everyone, whether it’s NIHL from noise exposure at work or at play, from infections, genetics or ototoxic drugs. I suspect that hearing loss affects “job performance” as a partner or spouse, parent or child, or friend among members of the public. It’s certain that people with hearing loss experience a lower quality of life.
As Elizabeth Masterson wrote for the CDC:
“Hearing loss can have a profound impact on quality of life. The effects begin small and progress as hearing loss worsens. For most individuals, it starts with others sounding like they are mumbling because some sounds cannot be heard well. The individual often has to ask others to repeat themselves, and this becomes frustrating for both parties. Both begin limiting the length and depth of conversations. As hearing loss progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to hear others in the presence of background noise. Social gatherings and even dinner at a restaurant become isolating activities because of the inability to understand what people are saying and individuals can’t contribute to the conversation. Over time, these barriers to communication can lead to strained marriages, diminished or lost friendships and limited interactions with coworkers and supervisors.”
According to the CDC, NIHL is the only type of hearing loss that is 100% preventable. Turn down the volume, leave the noisy environment or use hearing protection and one’s ears should last a lifetime.
