Health Impacts of Occupational Noise Exposure in Mining
Occupational noise exposure in mining has both auditory and non-auditory health effects, making it a critical occupational hazard.
Auditory effects include
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): Permanent damage to inner ear hair cells due to prolonged exposure
- Tinnitus: Persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS): Short-term hearing loss that can become permanent with repeated exposure
Non-auditory effects include
- Cardiovascular issues: Including high blood pressure, heart disease and increased stroke risk
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings and poor sleep quality
- Cognitive impairments: Reduced concentration, memory problems and lower performance
- Mental health effects: Increased stress, anxiety, irritability and risk of depression
Noise exposure can also reduce quality of life, leading to communication difficulties, annoyance and social withdrawal. Addressing both auditory and non-auditory impacts is essential for improving worker well-being and achieving Zero Harm in the mining industry.