Noise-Induced deafness a leading Occupational Disease in Singapore?

Are you working in a loud industry?

Have you ever felt that you are unable to hear well?

Yes, it is true that noise exposures ranging from music to daily work may lead to hearing loss. In Singapore, the majority of noise exposure occurs in the workplace.

Noise-Induced Deafness(NID) is one of the subcategory of Occupational Disease and is the 2nd major disease, according to the MOM Singapore National Statistics for Workplace Safety & Healthcare(Fig.1) report 2018. Even though NID has reduced by 30% from the previous year with the implementation of Noise-Induced Deafness Prevention Programme(NIDPP), it is still dominantly found in the Manufacturing sector that is involved with engineering and industrial design[1].

Figure 1: Types of Occupational Disease cases from 2009 - 2018. Graph adapted from MOM(Ministry of Manpower) Singapore National Statistics, Workplace Safety and Health Report 2018.

Occupational Disease is a widespread chronic disease/condition that occurs due to work or workplace conditions. The chronic nature itself explains its severity and progressive condition of a prolonged disease/condition over time. It is not necessarily workplace induced hearing loss but definitely age-related (presbycusis) plays a part in gradual hearing loss. Hearing loss is a commonly misunderstood condition, especially in the early stage and signs differ for one affected ear.

1. Common Signs of hearing loss

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• Difficulty in understanding the people around when they are speaking. Especially in noisy environments

• Often asking people to speak louder or to repeat themselves

• Increases the volume while watching TV or music

• Experienced tinnitus(ringing in the ears)

• Experienced pain in the ears

• Experienced ear discharge

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2. Causes of hearing loss

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• Common hearing loss is usually a build-up of earwax, perforated eardrum, ear infection

• Repeated exposures lead to a progressive permanent hearing loss conditions

• Sudden hearing loss is usually loud exposure to noise or medications

• Genetic inheritance

• Ototoxic Drugs - treats life-threatening conditions but may also damage the auditory nerves

Read here to find out more information on the Causes and Symptoms of Hearing Loss

3. Treatments

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Outer ear - Middle ear:

• Removal: a physical examination of your ear to identify possible causes such as ear wax or foreign objects in the ear canal can be removed instantly by the ENT doctor or GP.

• Medications: topical antibiotics for external ear infection

Outer - Middle ear hearing loss is reversible and will be back to normal once it is treated.

Anatomy of the ear

Inner ear:

• Surgical repair: repair eardrum perforation if it persists for more than 3 months or for recurrent ear infections with ear discharge

• Hearing Aids: helps to amplify sound from the surroundings to your ear, mainly for presbycusis(hearing loss from aging), NID by occupational disease and any other causes

• Hearing Implants: Devices that are placed deep in the ear or attached to the skull. Usually, cochlear implants are for more severe hearing loss conditions and unable to benefit from hearing aids. The sound will directly stimulate the auditory nerves.

However, Inner ear hearing loss is permanent and proper treatment is required to assist in hearing.

Read here to find out more Treatments by SingHealth

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If you suspect any hearing loss of your loved ones, family, friends or yourself, do book an appointment with an ENT doctor, GP or an Audiologist. Conditions are commonly treated at Singapore General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital. After evaluation, the doctor will refer you to a consultant or an audiologist in Singapore.

Tan Tock Seng Hospital patients are usually referred to as Digisound Hearing Center at Novena Square 2.

Digisound provides free hearing tests and a free Hearing Aid trial, book an appointment here.

Or call to make an appointment at the most convenient outlet[3].

#StayInformed #CareForYourEars

References:

1. Ministry of Manpower Singapore. (2019). Workplace Safety & Health Report 2018. [online] Available at https://www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-and-health/wsh-reports-and-statistics [Accessed 3 Jul. 2019].

2. ANNALS Academy of Medicine Singapore - Continuing Professional Development [Internet]. Annals.edu.sg. 2019 [cited 17 July 2019]. Available from: http://www.annals.edu.sg/cpdMay05.html

3. Digisound Hearing [Internet]. Digisoundhearing.com.sg. 2019 [cited 17 July 2019]. Available from: https://www.digisoundhearing.com.sg/index