This paper makes recommendations for diagnosing and quantifying noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in a medico-legal context. Diagnostic methods are proposed for each of the types of noise exposure considered. It is recommended that quantification of NIHL for all types of exposures is based on comparison of the measured hearing threshold levels with the age-associated hearing levels (AAHLs) for a non-noise exposed population. When audiograms are available both soon after the end of military service and some time afterwards, the most recent audiogram should be used for diagnosis and quantification, since this reflects any effect of the noise exposure on the subsequent progression of hearing loss. It is recommended that the overall NIHL for each ear be quantified as the average NIHL across the frequencies 1, 2, and 4 kHz.

Diagnosing and Quantifying Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in a Medico-Legal Context: Recommendations and Diagnostic Methods

CRITICAL CARE

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RHEUMATOLOGY

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NEUROLOGY

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DERMATOLOGY

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OPHTHALMOLOGY

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This paper makes recommendations for diagnosing and quantifying noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in a medico-legal context. Diagnostic methods are proposed for each of the types of noise exposure considered. It is recommended that quantification of NIHL for all types of exposures is based on comparison of the measured hearing threshold levels with the age-associated hearing levels (AAHLs) for a non-noise exposed population. When audiograms are available both soon after the end of military service and some time afterwards, the most recent audiogram should be used for diagnosis and quantification, since this reflects any effect of the noise exposure on the subsequent progression of hearing loss. It is recommended that the overall NIHL for each ear be quantified as the average NIHL across the frequencies 1, 2, and 4 kHz.

Guidelines for Diagnosing...

Guidelines for Diagnosing and Quantifying Noise-Induced Hearing Loss