The Medicolegal Assessment of Noise induced hearing loss avoiding an ENT
face to face exam in the COVID 19 climate
Abstract
Background In the current COVID-19 climate, a face to face (F2F) ear
nose and throat examination is not possible. ENTs are among the highest
risk specialties for the infection. The majority of physicians involved
in medicolegal examinations lie in the vulnerable status. Some claimants
may need early access to funds in the current situation. Methodology is
provided to invoke the available epidemiological data to inform
insurance payment decisions. Methods Predictions of ISO (2013) for
noise‐induced threshold shifts can be used in calculating the
noise‐induced threshold shifts. The 90 percentile figures are used.
Methodology for Australia is detailed. Other jurisdictions can modify
the methodology as appropriate. Results The possibility of a
mathematical model is highlighted Conclusion Given a worker’s
occupational noise exposure history, the methodology can estimate the
expected contributions of noise and can replace the audio-clinical
examination entirely. Keywords: noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL);
COVID-19