Occupational hearing loss (OHL) is known to be one of the most prevalent occupational diseases. Common causes include being exposed to hazardous noise levels in workplace, ototoxic chemicals, head injuries and barotrauma. Multiple relevant articles from credible sources were screened and reviewed before proceeding to analysis. Occupational noise-induced hearing loss, which occurs when noise level exceed 85dB, is primarily due to the death or damage of hair cells in our ear, which are not capable of regrowth. In addition, ototoxic chemicals such as Xylene, organic solvents, pesticides and arsenic can impair the structures in the cochlear and auditory neurological pathways leading to loss in hearing. A combination of loud noises and ototoxic chemical can exacerbate OHL Furthermore, damage to the tympanic membrane, middle ear and cochlea occupational head trauma are clear indications of occupational head trauma which induces hearing disability. Massive fluctuations in pressure on the inner and the outer ear results in barotrauma causing potential hearing impairment, mainly in divers and military personnel. There are numerous researches available on noise-induced OHL and chemically induced OHL, followed by barotrauma. The number of studies conducted on OHL due to workplace head trauma should be increased due to its limited resources in order to procure a greater insight and awareness. Pre-emptive measures should be taken by workplace supervisors and authorities to implement more stringent safety measures to mitigate OHL. This can be achieved by providing appropriate equipment and facilities that can put a stop to OHL and also able to educate both employers and employees on this issue.
Keywords: Hearing loss, Occupational hearing loss, Noise induced hearing loss, Chemically induced hearing loss, Head trauma induced hearing loss, Barotrauma induced hearing loss
