To this end, the PHLR studies hearing loss in the general population, in private and public industrial populations, and in the military to identify risk factors for hearing loss and assess the effectiveness of hearing loss prevention measures. Back to Index Hearing loss is an insidious disability, one that most people do not consider a threat.
Loss of hearing can lead to problems in communicating and coping in daily life.
Young children with impaired hearing may experience delayed development and difficulty in school. Adults with impaired hearing may be ineligible for certain occupations or may put themselves at risk on the job because their lack of hearing acuity prevents them from fully understanding instructions or responding to warnings. Regardless of age, those with hearing loss face a multitude of social challenges due to impaired communication abilities. Back to Index Noise is a leading cause of hearing loss, especially among young people. Noise is also a threat to the hearing of those who work in loud environments, such as industrial workers who use loud machinery or military personnel exposed to the sounds of weaponry.