ABSTRACT
Annual statistical surveys of mutual industrial accident insurance associations show that noise induced hearing loss — as has always been the case — is the number one of the occupational diseases. Approximately 1/3 of all known cases originates from detrimental acoustic stress in the working environment of industrial countries. That is, however, only the tip of the iceberg of aural and extraaural effects of noise, i.e. of acoustic stress that is unwanted, disturbing, aggravating, and frustrating; that impedes conversation; and that, in some circumstances, can cause damage to the hearing. Expenditures in the form of monetary compensation for the irreversible hearing damage associated with noise are still relatively low in comparison with the damage to the economy of more than 20 billion US $ per year, as, e.g. calculated by the German Association for Noise Control. For these reasons, “noise” is being attacked on various levels. The great variety of brochures, books, and journals as well as technical regulations, guidelines, standards, and safety regulations reflects both the broad and deep knowledge of “noise” and the technical possibilities for noise control. But it should not be forgotten that even tolerable noise with a rating level of 85 dB(A)/8 h in the production sector is associated with essential “physiological costs” which the ear has to pay.
