Consortium of specialists in occupational deafness

Noise-induced hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is a permanent loss caused by prolonged exposure to high noise levels. Hearing deteriorates gradually from the moment of exposure to noise.

PREVENTION IS YOUR BEST ASSET

Noise at work?

Noise-induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is also referred to occupational deafness when it is caused by work. It is one of the most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss. When you have noise-induced hearing loss, the hair cells of the inner ear have been damaged. The ability of hair cells in the cochlea; to identify and transmit sounds to the brain is then reduced.

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Noise exposure

Occupational deafness is caused by exposure to loud noise for extended periods of time. For example, in a workplace, in a factory, by gunshots, by horns, by fireworks, etc. Carpenter, operative, steel worker and construction worker are particularly at risk.

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Unfortunately too frequent

In industrialized countries, the prevalence of deafness attributable to workplace noise exposure is estimated to be 10 to 16% (Dobie 2008, Nelson et al.)

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In Quebec

In Quebec, the EQCOTESST (2011) survey estimated that 359,000 workers work often or all the time in a noise so intense that it is difficult to hold a conversation at one meter distance, even when shouting. [Estimated noise level over 85 dBA according to Harris, 1979].

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Montreal South Shore Clinic

Montreal South Shore
1185 chemin du Tremblay #230
Longueuil (Quebec) J4N 1R4

(450) 674-3042

Montreal Clinic

Island of Montreal
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Montreal (Quebec) H2Z 1S5

(514) 360-7753

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