FACTS
- Mechanism of Damage: NIHL occurs when loud noises damage the hair cells in the cochlea (inner ear), which cannot regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in ears).
- Exposure Threshold: Sounds at or above 85 decibels (dBA) over extended periods (e.g., 8 hours) can cause NIHL; higher levels (e.g., 100 dBA) cause damage in minutes, per OSHA and CSA Z94.2 standards.
- Acute vs. Chronic Exposure: A single intense noise (e.g., explosion ≥140 dBA) can cause immediate NIHL, while chronic exposure to lower-level noise (e.g., machinery, tools) causes gradual loss.
- Workplace Noise Sources: Common NIHL sources include power […]
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