NIHL
Medical abbreviation · Ophthalmology & ENT
| Stands for | Noise-induced hearing loss |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
NIHL stands for Noise-induced hearing loss, an ophthalmology & ENT abbreviation.
Permanent sensorineural hearing loss caused by exposure to loud sound, from a single blast or from years of occupational, recreational or music noise. Audiograms typically show a characteristic dip, or notch, around 4,000 Hz.
Example: NIHL with bilateral 4 kHz notch in machinist; hearing protection and annual audiograms.
Usage notes
OSHA requires hearing conservation programs when workplace noise averages 85 dBA over eight hours, and NIOSH recommends that limit as the exposure maximum. Tinnitus often accompanies NIHL. Personal listening devices at high volume are a growing concern among young people. NIHL is entirely preventable with hearing protection.
Related abbreviations
More ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations
- IOP – Intraocular pressure
- LP – Light perception
- LPI – Laser peripheral iridotomy
- LPR – Laryngopharyngeal reflux
- MGD – Meibomian gland dysfunction
- NAION – Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
- NLP – No light perception
- NPC – Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- NPDR – Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
- NTG – Normal-tension glaucoma
- OAE – Otoacoustic emissions
- OCT – Optical coherence tomography
See all 74 ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.