Noise hazards are often over-looked because of the lack of immediate danger that they represent. The fact that hearing loss occurs over a period and is not repairable makes it a serious issue. This guide gives some simple advice and explaination on the subject of noise.

The ear is a very complex and delicate structure that can be damaged by exposure to high sound pressure levels. Sounds are 'heard' when sound waves travel down the ear canal to the eardrum. The sound waves are transmitted as physical vibrations from the eardrum through three small bones to the oval window of the cochlea. Inside the cochlea the vibrations excite small sensitive hairs which convert the vibrations into electrical nerve impulses. These are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve and processed to create the sensation of sound.