---
title: Health Consequences of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
description: Noise-induced hearing loss is a one of the few types of hearing loss we can prevent. Protect your hearing!
---

[What interests you?](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog)

# [Health Consequences of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/health-consequences-of-noise-induced-hearing-loss)

 Written by [Elise Gregoire, Doctor of Audiology](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/author/elise-gregoire-doctor-of-audiology) | Monday, 24 August 2020

Noise-induced [hearing loss](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/your-fundamental-guide-to-hearing-loss) is a workplace hazard for many. It might seem convenient to leave the earplugs at home, but that choice can have long-term consequences for your hearing and overall health.

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is a one of the most common internationally-reported diseases. The type of work, duration of exposure, and magnitude of noise can drastically alter the effects on the auditory structures and hearing loss. For example, agricultural and construction-type work with hydraulic equipment, are two professions at highest risk for severe hearing loss1.

**Noise exposure and tinnitus.** One of the most common complaints of frequent exposure to loud noise is ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus. Studies have shown as many as 90% of individuals in high-noise work environments also report significant tinnitus. Tinnitus severity will vary from client to client but those exposed to “impulse” type noise (short bursts or blasts – consistent with noise from hydraulic equipment) tend to report higher levels of tinnitus severity3,4.

**Noise exposure and non-auditory health problems.** It is well-documented that exposure to loud noise can negatively impact one’s health such as [cardiovascular function](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/heart-health-hearing-health) (hypertension, blood pressure, heart rate), breathing, sleep, concentration, stress, and neurological function. There is growing evidence that even moderate-level noise can impact these health systems if a person is chronically exposed1,2,5.

**Hearing loss and quality of life.** Hearing loss significantly impacts the ability to communicate. Professional and personal relationships often deteriorate because of poor communication. These relationships are critical to personal satisfaction, self-esteem, confidence, and overall mental health. Poor communication can result in loss of relationships and decline in mental health3,4,5.

If you work in a noisy place, be sure you use well-fitting earplugs and add hearing checks to your annual health physical. Custom-fit earplugs offer some of the best protection for your ears. [Ask your audiologist](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/custom-hearing-protection/) what option might be best for you.

REFERENCES

1. World Health Organization. Occupational Noise: Assessing the Burden of Disease from Work-Related Hearing Impairment at National and Local Levels. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2004.
2. Nelson, DI, Nelson, RY, Concha-Barrientos, M, Fingerhut, M (2005). The Global Burden of Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. American Journal of Industrial Medicine; 48(446-458).
3. Axelsson, A, Sandh, A(1985).Tinnitus in noise-induced hearing loss. British Journal of Audiology, 19:4, 271-276, DOI: [10.3109/03005368509078983](https://doi.org/10.3109/03005368509078983)
4. Alberti, PW (1987). Tinnitus and Occupational Hearing Loss: Nosological Aspects. The Journal of Otolaryngology 16(1)34-35.
5. Basner, M, et al. (2014). Auditory and non-auditory effects of noise on health. Lancet. 383(9925).

[View full post](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/health-consequences-of-noise-induced-hearing-loss)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Elise Gregoire, Doctor of Audiology"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-08-20T03:45:38.527Z",
  "datePublished" : "2020-08-24T23:29:06Z",
  "headline" : "Health Consequences of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 3680,
    "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/5367246/AdobeStock_292595641.jpeg",
    "width" : 5026
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/health-consequences-of-noise-induced-hearing-loss",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60.0,
      "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/5367246/NZ%20Hearing%20logo.png",
      "width" : 124.21053
    },
    "name" : "NZ Hearing Blog"
  }
}
```