About Noise-Induced Hearing Loss:

Ayşen Karalı
3 min readMar 28, 2023

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Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant health issue that is becoming increasingly prevalent as an inevitable consequence of modern life. NIHL results from prolonged exposure to high levels of noise and can cause temporary or permanent damage to hearing. It is a health problem that significantly reduces quality of life and hinders social interaction. Conditions leading to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) arise in various areas, such as workplace environments, recreational activities (concerts, etc.), transportation systems, and domestic noise sources. In particular, workers in noisy environments such as industrial facilities, construction sites, and airports are at a higher risk for NIHL. Additionally, many personal activities, such as listening to loud music and using electronic devices at high volumes, also pose a risk for noise-induced hearing loss.

Many countries worldwide are combating “noise pollution” by enacting appropriate laws and regulations aimed at preventing NIHL. In Turkey, various regulations are in place to examine and control noise levels in workplaces from an audiological perspective. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation on Noise in Workplaces, published by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, regulates noise levels in workplaces.

The limit values specified in the regulation are as follows:

  • The daily exposure noise level should not exceed 80 decibels (dB).
  • For noise levels above 85 dB in time-weighted average, employers are obliged to provide suitable hearing protectors to their workers.
  • The daily exposure noise level should not exceed 87 dB (while using hearing protectors).

(If noise levels in workplaces exceed these limit values, employers are obliged to conduct appropriate risk assessments and take necessary precautions. These measures include technical and organizational arrangements to reduce noise, raising awareness among employees, and conducting regular hearing tests.)

As can be understood from what I have written so far, noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable health problem with various precautions. In the remainder of the article, I will discuss occupational groups that often experience NIHL and the precautions that can be taken against NIHL.

Occupational groups frequently experiencing NIHL:

Construction Workers: Heavy machinery and equipment used at construction sites continuously produce high-intensity noise, and construction workers are constantly exposed to these sounds.

Mining: Blasting, drilling, and stone crushing operations in mines and quarries cause high noise levels and increase the risk of hearing loss for workers.

Traffic Police: Traffic police exposed to heavy traffic are constantly subjected to vehicle noise and honking, increasing the risk of hearing loss.

Factory Workers: In factories where machinery and equipment operate continuously, workers are exposed to high noise levels. This risk is particularly higher in the metal processing, automotive, and chemical industries.

Airport Workers: Employees working at airports are exposed to high noise intensity from aircraft engines and ground service equipment, increasing their risk of hearing loss.

Musicians: Musicians exposed to high noise levels during live performances, studio recordings, and rehearsal processes are at risk of hearing loss.

Military Personnel: Military personnel are frequently exposed to noise from gunfire, explosions, and motor vehicles, increasing their risk of NIHL.

Agricultural Workers: Agricultural workers are exposed to noise from tractors, combine harvesters, and other agricultural machinery, increasing their risk of hearing loss.

Of course, it wouldn’t be accurate to limit the occupational groups exposed to noise to the categories mentioned above. As we think about it, we all have additional categories to add to this list…

Precautions to minimize the damage of noise in daily life and work begin with increasing awareness and measures at both individual and institutional levels. In workplaces, it is essential to use appropriate equipment and technologies to reduce noise levels, organize workspaces, and apply sound insulation. Also, employees should be encouraged to use personal protective equipment such as hearing protectors (earplugs).

In daily life, it is crucial to avoid listening to music at high volumes and to keep the sound levels reasonable, especially when listening with headphones. Care should be taken to avoid spending prolonged periods in noisy environments, and regular hearing check-ups should be performed to protect hearing health and ensure early detection of potential problems. Thanks to these precautions, the risk of noise-induced hearing loss will be significantly reduced.

Thank you for reading.

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Ayşen Karalı
Ayşen Karalı

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