Age-Related and Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in the United States
Dobie (2008) recently addressed aging and noise as the most suspected and common causes of hearing loss in developed countries. Dobie determined occupational noise-induced hearing loss likely accounts for some 5 to 10 percent of the SNHL found in adults in the United States. Further, he noted non-occupational noise exposure probably has a similar impact (5 to 10 percent). Nonetheless, Dobie stated that noise-induced hearing loss is clearly the most preventable form of hearing loss. Dobie also stated that aging does not cause hearing loss, but rather, aging serves as a proxy for damage to hearing over a lifetime from multiple sources. Therefore, preventative interventions for age-related hearing loss (ARHL) have enormous potential.
For More Information, References and Recommendations:
Dobie, AR. (2008): The Burdens of Age-Related and Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss in the United States. Ear & Hearing 29(4): 565-577.