Financial and Societal Costs of Noise in the Workplace
Prevention of occupational risks related to noise

Noise is currently the fifth leading cause of occupational disease in terms of treatment costs (after musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory diseases, occupational cancers, and occupational dermatitis), with costs estimated at approximately €100,000 per case of hearing loss. The criteria for recognizing hearing loss are defined in Table No. 42 of the health insurance system. The number of cases of hearing loss recognized by health insurance depends on changes in the criteria (for example, changes in the occupations covered) and the preventive measures implemented.

Figure 1 shows the trend in cases of hearing loss since the year 2000. It shows that:

• a sharp increase in reported...