Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) primarily caused by?

1. Excessive exposure to loud sounds

2. Natural aging process

3. Infections in the ear

4. Impact from physical trauma

The correct answer is: Excessive exposure to loud sounds

Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is primarily caused by excessive exposure to loud sounds. This condition arises when individuals are subjected to high noise levels over a prolonged period or to very loud sounds in brief bursts. The inner ear is particularly sensitive to these noise levels, and over time, the hair cells responsible for transmitting sound signals can become damaged or die. This damage leads to permanent hearing loss, as the body does not regenerate these hair cells. While other factors such as aging, ear infections, and physical trauma can contribute to hearing loss, they do not directly cause NIHL. Aging, for instance, typically results in gradual hearing loss unrelated specifically to noise exposure, while infections can lead to temporary or potentially permanent hearing issues but are not the primary cause of NIHL. Physical trauma can certainly affect hearing, but it is more about specific impacts rather than the ongoing effects of sound exposure, which is central to NIHL. Thus, excessive exposure to loud sounds is specifically what defines this type of hearing loss.