The clinical characteristics of occupational sensorineural hearing loss according to the spectrum of noise

Modern industrial noise has its own characteristics, one of which is the tendency to increase the contribution of high-intensity low-frequency and infrasonic components to the spectrum of noise, which has a more pronounced pathological effect. The classical presentation of noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was considered only as a result of exposure to high-frequency industrial noise. In 2004, infrasound was included in the list of occupational diseases that cause hearing loss. However, there is no clinical presentation of occupational infrasound-induced SNHL (OSNHL), which creates difficulties in establishing an association between diseases and working conditions. Studying the clinical presentation of SNHL due to the impact of high-intensity noise containing high-intensity low-frequency acoustic vibrations (LFAVs) in the spectrum, the authors revealed the features of its formation and development, which allows its identification as a special form and its use in practice. When making a diagnosis of OSNHL, it is necessary to take into account not only the length of working with noise, but also to pay attention to the noise spectrum. OSNHL due to the combined effect of noise and LFAVs requires the consideration of its clinical characteristics and expert judgment.

otorhinolaryngology, infrasound, low-frequency acoustic vibrations, hearing organ, sensorineural hearing loss, clinical presentation, audiogram