The Impact of Environmental Noise on Hearing Health

Abstract

The sound produced by a vibrating sound source is an undesirable sound and can disrupt human comfort and health.Noise, defined as undesired sound that can disturb or negatively affect health, poses a serious occupational hazard. Long-term exposure to high noise levels at work is frequently linked to auditory impairments like noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This problem has been made worse worldwide by the continuous industrialization processes and a lack of public awareness about the harmful effects of noise. An estimated one-third of people worldwide are thought to be impacted by noise-related disruptions. Knowing the prevalence of NIHL is crucial because it is one of the main preventable causes of disability. One of the main risks to employees' auditory health in industrial settings is noise exposure. The purpose of this review of the literature is to compile the results of numerous investigations into the effects of occupational noise on hearing health, established exposure thresholds, and practical preventative strategies. According to the review, extended exposure to noise levels higher than 85 dB(A) can cause tinnitus, fatigue, elevated stress levels, and permanent hearing loss. Therefore, to lessen the negative effects of noise exposure, it is imperative to implement hearing protection equipment and efficient workplace noise management techniques. Based on 15 literature reviews, it was determined that workplace noise has an impact on hearing health for a number of reasons: excessive noise levels can harm hearing, employees' ignorance of noise hazards raises the risk of hearing disorders, management can lessen adverse effects, and the use of hearing protection equipment is frequently disregarded even though it is essential.