5.1.2. Physical effects
Noise induced hearing loss (deafness/NIHL) – Permanent loss of hearing as a result of repeated exposure to excessively loud noise.
Temporary threshold shift (TTS) – Exposures to high noise levels (e.g. long working hours in a high-noise area) will probably cause a temporary loss of hearing sensitivity call as temporary threshold shift. In this the microscopically small hairs (cochlea) will have been disturbed. But not damaged beyond repair.
Permanent threshold shift (PTS) – Repeated exposure to high level of noise for a longer period will result in permanent threshold shift, irreparable damage because the sensory hairs are part of nerve cells that do not regenerate.
Tinnitus ‘ringing in the ears’ – Temporary ringing in the ears is known as tinnitus.
