Noise and Auditory Conservation

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. explain why noise is a public hazard; 2. explain the auditory impact of noise and its prevention; 3. explain hearing conservation procedures; 4. demonstrate noise survey technique using a sound level meter at industrial sites; 5. conduct baseline, monitoring and exit audiometric tests; 6. interpret and report industrial hearing test results; 7. formulate effective hearing conservation programme; 8. list out different hearing conservation devices; 9. describe medico-legal implications of noise-induced hearing loss; 10. calculate compensations for noise-induced hearing loss patients in industries; 11. explain the process of counselling employers on the use of auditory safety measures; 12. counsel employees on the need for auditory conservation for general health reasons; 13. explain appropriate steps for the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss; and 14. list out the daily permissible noise exposure criteria as documented by W.H.O.

Definition of noise, noise and man, noise and animals and plants; Types of noise and noise as a public health hazard; Auditory and non-auditory impact of noise; Symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss; Social, occupational, domestic, leisure and recreational noise; Measurement of noise using sound level meter (SLM) or noise dosimeters; Measures to reduce excessive noise exposure through the use of noise protective devices such as ear muffs, ear plugs, ear defenders; Legislation, litigation, awareness campaign, community and industrial noise survey and abatement programme; Multidisciplinary approach to noise control (audiologists, safety officers, environmental agencies, public health physicians, policy makers, frontline employers and employees) Challenging ideas about noise and hearing; W.H.O permissible daily noise exposure level.