SYNOPSIS

World Health Organization (WHO) estimated around 466 million people are suffering from hearing loss globally. The prevalence of hearing loss is predicted to increase to 630 and 900 million people by 2030 and 2050 respectively. Hearing loss due to exposure in workplace is termed as occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL). In Malaysia ONIHL is the most reported occupational disease every year. Occupational hearing loss is a serious issue because it has a huge impact on both individual health and economy worldwide. Preventive measures must be implemented to apprehend the severity. WHO and World Bank in a report on disability has categorized three tiers of preventive approach. Primary prevention aims to prevent adverse health condition at the earliest stage. In this stage, preventive approach such as conducting awareness program was executed to act as an early intervention to avoid adverse health condition. Secondary prevention aims for early detection of health problem and treatment. Tertiary prevention focuses on controlling and reducing the impact of health problem and promote recovery. A comprehensive and user-friendly hearing conservation programme can be developed and implemented to inculcate good practices in preventing ONIHL.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Ir. Dr. Jegalakshimi Jewaratnam is a senior lecturer in Chemical Engineering Department, University Malaya. At present, she is also the coordinator for Masters of Safety, Health and Environment Engineering. She is a Professional Engineer registered in Board of Engineers Malaysia and a Chartered Engineer registered in Engineering Council, UK. She is a Member of Institution of Engineers Malaysia (MIEM) and Institute of Chemical Engineering Malaysia (MIChemE). Prior to academic position, she has worked in the water industry as a technical and project engineer. In her academic career span, she has published academic journals and conference papers, engaged in industrial consultations and presented invited talks. Her present research interest is occupational noise-induced hearing loss.