Audio/visual demonstration of noise induced hearing loss
Noise induced hearing loss is irreversible damage to the ears caused by exposure to high levels of noise. This recording demonstrates how hearing is gradually lost over a working life.
WARNING: From 6 April 2006 (6 April 2008 in the case of music and entertainment) the action levels were reduced - the lower exposure action values is now 80 dB and the upper action values is 85 dB. There is also an exposure limit value of 87 dB, above which no worker can be exposed (taking hearing protection into account).
Do NOT adjust the volume after starting to listen to the clip.
The hearing loss simulations all include the effects of noise exposure and ageing. At the end of each simulation the hearing undamaged by noise for the age can be heard.
- Audio demonstration of noise induced hearing loss [Windows media audio clip]
Potential effects of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL)
Above, you had the opportunity to listen to the potential effects of noise induced hearing loss.
Now you can 'see' the sort of damage that excessive noise can cause inside your ears.
The clip has been reproduced from "The Hearing Video" by the kind permission of WorksafeBC
WorkSafeBC is an independent agency governed by a Board of Directors appointed by government, and is dedicated to promoting workplace health and safety for the workers and employers in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The organisation consults with, and educates, employers and workers and monitors compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
HSE has a reciprocal agreement with WorkSafeBC which allows us to share expertise and resources and helps to reduce costs on both sides of the Atlantic.
The original film can be seen at WorkSafeBC Videos - The Hearing Video. Alternatively you can visit WorkSafeBc's website.
