Abstract:
The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between the audiogram configuration and its
calculated Percentage Loss of Hearing (PLH), and the experience of hearing handicap in noise-exposed gold
miners. The latter was measured using a translated Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults. NIHL audiograms
were categorised into five different patterns based on their configurations. A contingency table of the
audiograms, the PLH and measures of hearing handicap was constructed. All participants, no matter what their
audiogram configurations and degree of hearing loss as measured by the PLH, experienced significant handicap
as a result of their hearing loss, including the group where most of the audiogram thresholds were within
normal limits. The study highlights the need for awareness of appropriate rehabilitation and counselling in this
population and offers a model for quantifying the effects of NIHL that takes into account the effect of the hearing
loss on the quality of life as well as the audiological results.
