what would cause hearing loss in a child
Hearing loss Hearing loss may be caused by a number of factors, including: genetics, ageing, exposure to noise, some infections, birth complications, trauma to the ear, and certain medications or toxins.[2] A common condition that results in hearing loss is chronic ear infections.[2] Certain infections during pregnancy such as syphilis and rubella may also cause hearing loss.[2] Hearing loss is diagnosed when hearing testing finds that a person is unable to hear 25 decibels in at least one ear.[2] Testing for poor hearing is recommended for all newborns.[6] Hearing loss can be categorised as mild, moderate, moderate-severe, severe, or profound.[2] There are three main types of hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss.[3]
Hearing conservation program Hearing conservation programs are designed to prevent hearing loss due to noise. Regarding occupational exposures to noise, a written hearing conservation program is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) "whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels (dB) measured on the A scale (slow response) or, equivalently, a dose of fifty percent."[1] This 8-hour time-weighted average is known as an exposure action value. While the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) also requires a hearing conservation program, MSHA does not require a written hearing conservation program. MSHA's hearing conservation program requirement can be found in 30 CFR ยง 62.150,[2] and requires has almost the same exact requirements as the OSHA hearing conservation program requirements. Therefore, only the OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.95 will be discussed in detail.