Remote interpreters are at high risk of hearing loss and sound blast injuries due to the nature of their work. Interpreters have to be the ones to implement the necessary measures to protect themselves. In this article, we will learn how to prevent hearing loss by identifying risk factors.
How does occupational hearing loss happen?
We are going to discuss how Acoustic Shock can lead to permanent hearing loss and deafness, and although, the symptoms and presentation of simple occupational hearing loss are different, both can be incapacitating and lead to permanent loss of hearing. Above all, it is important to know that both injuries can be prevented by taking steps to avoid harmful exposure to noise.
Progressive hearing loss
Hearing loss can be caused by working in a noisy environment or being subject to noise higher than 85 dB for at least 30 days. Certainly, the symptoms are subtle and easy to be unaware of until the hearing loss is pronounced enough for you or others to notice. However, being aware of what are the symptoms that may alert you, will stop further injury. For example, muffled or distorted sounds, and difficulty understanding speech.
Acoustic shock
On the other hand, when acoustic shock happens, it is hard to ignore. The symptoms follow an extremely loud burst of sound, as a result, rupture of the eardrum and damage to the bones in the middle ear can happen. As a result, immediate and permanent hearing loss can occur. Accompanying symptoms include headache, dizziness, and tinnitus.
Impulse or continuous loud noise
Sometimes, exposure to impulse or continuous loud noise causes temporary hearing loss that disappears 16 to 48 hrs. later. However, although the loss of hearing seems to disappear, there may be residual long-term damage to your hearing.
What is the mechanism of the injury?
When exposed to an intense sound wave, the inner ear becomes starved for oxygen, leading to damage. When the loudness of a sound exceeds 165 dB, the pressure wave may also rupture the tympanic membrane. Most importantly, the extent of the injury depends on the distance from the source of the sound and the length of exposure.
What are the symptoms?
Otoscopies can detect inner ear injury, in addition, hearing impairment, and humming or ringing noises are symptoms that can alert you of the presence of hearing injury. However, if the tympanic membrane is intact, the otoscopy finding will usually be normal. In addition, an audiogram will show changes consistent with inner ear damage in the 3–6 kHz frequency range.
Is there a treatment?
There are many different treatments are listed in the literature, however, there is very little reliable evidence on the effectiveness of medication to improve inner ear damage.
What is the prognosis?
There may be residual long-term damage to the hearing in some people who experience loud noises. Hearing loss can last for up to 48 hours after exposure to loud noise, according to the American Academy of Osteopathic Practitioners.
How can I prevent occupational hearing loss?
Above all, wearing ear earplugs or other protective devices when involved in a loud activity will protect your hearing. Follow the 80-90 rule: If you listen at 80 percent of the maximum volume, do so for no more than 90 minutes per day. Always use noise-canceling headphones in noisy environments. Having to raise your voice to overcome the environmental noise is a good indicator that you could be stressing your ears.
In conclusion, the longer you listen to loud sounds, the higher your chance of damaging your ears. Some newer models of headsets have built-in features that track how long and how loud you’ve been listening and adjust the volume when necessary. If none of the above recommendations is an option for you, something as simple as taking breaks from your headphones can help prevent hearing loss.
Download the 6 tips to prevent hearing loss infographic
To find more information about occupational hearing loss:
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Esquivel, C. R., Parker, M., Curtis, K., Merkley, A., Littlefield, P., Conley, G., & Wise, S. (2018, September 5). Aural Blast Injury/Acoustic Trauma and Hearing Loss. OUP Academic. https://academic.oup.com/milmed/article/183/suppl_2/78/5091158#126603014.
Parker, A. J. (2020, February 27). Acoustic shock: definitions and clinical aspects. ENT & Audiology News. https://www.entandaudiologynews.com/features/ent-features/post/acoustic-shock-definitions-and-clinical-aspects.
Tikka, C., Verbeek, J. H., & Kateman, E. (2016, October 3). Interventions to prevent occupational noise‐induced hearing loss Edited (no change to conclusions): Cochrane Abstracts. Interventions to prevent occupational noise‐induced hearing loss Edited (no change to conclusions) | Cochrane Abstracts. https://evidence.unboundmedicine.com/evidence/view/Cochrane/431738/all/Interventions_to_prevent_occupational_noise%e2%80%90induced_hearing_loss_Edited__no_change_to_conclusions_.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020, December 14). Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss