Table 6 : Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) predicted from ISO 1999 as a function of noise exposure level for 3 years
(adapted from Lutman et al. 2008)
Extent of hearing
loss to be expected from a shorter exposure duration of 3 years at daily
continuous noise levels of 80, 85, 90 and 95 dB(A).
The values are for hearing loss at 4 kHz, which is the frequency
predicted to give the greatest hearing loss. Values are given for the
median, and the 5th centile (value exceeded by 5% of the
population). |
NIHL at 4 kHz in dB |
Daily noise level in dB(A) |
80 |
85 |
90 |
95 |
Median |
0.7 |
2.9 |
6.5 |
11.6 |
5th centile |
1.0 |
3.8 |
8.4 |
15.0 |
Hearing loss after 3 years of exposure is less likely than after 45 years. However the
proportion is greater than simply dividing the amount of hearing loss pro rata.
To a rough approximation, the magnitude of NIHL after 3 years is 43% of the NIHL after
45 years.
Source: SCENIHR,
Potential health risks of exposure to noise from personal music players and mobile phones including a music playing function (2008)
,
Section 3.5.3., Page 28.