Occupational noise-induced deafness

Noise refers to unwanted, disruptive sounds that cause discomfort and can lead to health problems.

People working in factories, construction sites, workshops, and production facilities with high noise levels are at risk of developing occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Occupational hearing loss has long been recognized as a work-related disease and is eligible for compensation and benefits.

In Vietnam, occupational hearing loss is recognized as one of the 35 occupational diseases and is eligible for compensation and benefits. It is also one of the 8 most common occupational diseases. In industrialized countries, occupational hearing loss ranks among the top occupational diseases.

1. What is occupational hearing loss due to noise?

Occupational hearing loss due to noise is the result of auditory trauma caused by harmful noise levels in the workplace over a prolonged period, leading to irreversible damage to the inner ear nerve cells.

Workers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, aviation, and transportation are often exposed to long-term noise that can result in occupational hearing loss. While the condition is irreversible, it can be prevented with simple protective measures.

2. Occupations at risk of developing occupational hearing loss

Occupations with high risk of noise-induced hearing loss include:

• Metal production, mechanical, electronics, packaging, plastics, wood, and paper industries.
• Construction projects such as bridges, factories, and buildings.
• Aviation: pilots, flight attendants, airport staff, etc.
• Transportation: truck drivers, bus drivers, train operators, and other transport operators.
• Music and entertainment: musicians, DJs, sound engineers, performers, bar and theater staff, etc.

Additionally, workers in mining, agriculture, chemical, and oil & gas industries may also be affected by occupational noise. Therefore, anyone working in a noisy environment should always use protective equipment and follow safety measures to protect their health.

3. Mechanisms and causes of occupational hearing loss

Occupational hearing loss is caused by exposure to noise levels exceeding the allowable limits in the workplace according to QCVN 24:2016/BYT. The condition is irreversible but preventable with simple measures.

The harmful effects of noise depend on:

• Sound pressure level, a physical measure of sound intensity in the environment.
• Sound frequency, the number of vibrations per second, measured in Hz.
• Duration of noise exposure—the longer the exposure, the higher the risk of hearing loss.

Reducing exposure time and using hearing protection devices are critical for preventing occupational hearing loss.

4. Symptoms of occupational hearing loss

The disease progresses slowly over years, often unnoticed, with hearing loss being the only initial symptom. It usually develops in three stages with variable durations:

• Adaptation stage
  • During the first days of working in a noisy environment, workers may feel fatigue, discomfort, ringing in the ears, and slight hearing loss. Symptoms usually subside after a few weeks, giving the false impression of adaptation, while high-frequency hearing loss remains.
• Latent stage
  • The only symptom is gradually increasing hearing loss, affecting both ears, starting with high frequencies. Everyday frequency hearing may remain unaffected initially, so workers may not notice until paying attention to high-pitched sounds or whispers.
  • Progression is slow and occurs over months or years depending on the individual.
• Obvious stage
  • Hearing loss extends to everyday frequencies, affecting speech comprehension. Symmetrical hearing loss progresses further, potentially leading to severe or complete deafness in both ears. Progression rate varies per individual.

5. Harmful effects of occupational hearing loss

Occupational hearing loss can severely affect health and quality of life, including:

• Mainly, the inability to hear sounds, affecting communication and daily life. Patients may experience balance problems, making walking and working difficult.
• Psychological effects such as loneliness, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
• Other issues may include high blood pressure, headaches, sleep disturbances, and reduced concentration.

Prevention is essential to protect workers’ health and quality of life.

Discover the Occupational Noise Hearing Loss Risk Assessment Tool, which provides detailed risk assessment and preventive recommendations for noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace. Using a multi-dimensional database and advanced algorithms, the tool is a reliable resource for healthcare professionals and occupational safety managers. Its goal is to protect workers from noise-induced hearing loss and help maintain a safe and sustainable working environment.

6. Protective equipment to prevent occupational hearing loss

To protect workers’ hearing, hearing protection devices include earplugs, earmuffs, etc., meeting personal protective equipment requirements according to QCVN 24:2016/BYT.

Choose equipment that fits comfortably without irritation and does not interfere with work.

7. Compensation for workers with occupational hearing loss

Under Vietnamese labor law, workers affected by occupational noise-induced hearing loss are entitled to compensation and benefits:

• Health loss compensation based on the severity of hearing loss and work capacity.
• Healthcare and treatment to reduce symptoms.
• Support for retraining if unable to continue in the current job.
• Other benefits such as health insurance, social insurance, dependent allowances, and leave entitlements.

However, proving causation can be challenging, making prevention through protective equipment and adherence to safety regulations crucial.

8. Treatment of occupational hearing loss

For diagnosed occupational hearing loss, the best interventions include hearing aids or cochlear implants to restore communication ability.

Hearing aids must be carefully calibrated to match the individual’s hearing profile. Professional consultation is necessary before use.

9. Prevention of occupational hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible if not prevented. In noisy workplaces, implement measures such as:

• Regular maintenance of machines to reduce noise emissions.
• Optimized workplace design to minimize noise exposure.
• Sound barriers to block noise from sources.
• Provide personal hearing protection (earplugs, earmuffs) if noise exceeds 85dBA.
• Limit exposure time according to QCVN 24:2016/BYT. Maximum instantaneous noise level should not exceed 115dBA.

10. Employer responsibility in preventing occupational hearing loss

11. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center

Nam Viet Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. Experienced monitoring specialists use modern equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.

REGISTER WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

The center provides planning, problem-solving, and follow-up support for workplace environment issues, prioritizing customer satisfaction.

Key objectives:

• Maintain brand reputation and service quality.
• Provide optimal solutions to clients.
• Leverage experienced engineers and specialists to protect the environment and benefit businesses.

• Clients receive professional service and competitive pricing from Nam Viet specialists.

12. Workplace Environment Monitoring Pricing

Nam Viet provides a pricing list for professional, cost-effective workplace environment monitoring services.

• Detailed pricing for monitoring services including transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting.
• Competitive rates and expert consultation for all client inquiries.
• Flexible packages to meet client needs, ensuring maximum satisfaction with professional service quality.