W42: Exposure to noise

Exposure to noise refers to a group of health conditions that occur due to constant or repetitive contact with loud sounds. These sounds can originate from various sources such as machinery, music, traffic, or other environmental factors. The consistent exposure to such noise can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss, known as Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Apart from hearing loss, some people may also experience 'tinnitus,' a condition characterized by a constant ringing or buzzing noise in the ear, as a result of prolonged noise exposure. The severity of the symptoms and the progression of the condition depend on several factors like the duration and intensity of sound exposure, and individual susceptibility. The primary affected system in these conditions is the human auditory system, which includes the ears and parts of the brain that process sound.