After the early success of some articles as author and co-author, Dr Win Tin has come up with his first book on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and the Hidden Society Burden. He noticed that everyone needs peace of mind, especially after a long working day. We need to rest, physically and mentally to recoup, working again with enthusiasm the next day. Thus, it is important that we have a certain private, quiet, peaceful serene environment, day or night. But noise is all around us. The sound of grass cutters, the piling of structures nearby, children playing and shouting, or the traffic noise. These can make a lot of noise and the peace shattered. Noise-induced hearing loss is mainly caused by a certain amount of noise which has a deleterious effect on the ear when exposed to long periods of time e.g. years, and usually without the person noticing, as in occupational noise-induced hearing loss or single instances of extreme noise, as in acoustic trauma. This causes not only hearing loss but effects socially, financially, physically and mentally. Its problem is so big with compensation in millions, causing a huge hidden burden to the society, people and government. Yet it should be noted that this is the only preventable cause of sensorineural hearing loss, which can be prevented, while other causes are still not possible. The book introduces various noise, the pathogenesis and causes of noise-induced hearing loss, as seen in various strata of people. Apart from this, there is the Malaysian perspective as written by some researchers from Malaysia. Then there are also effects of noise not only on humans but also in birds and fish. Methods to diagnosis and ways to prevent, with up-to-date researches and treatment are also discussed. Thus, it is a comprehensive one for the knowledge of all levels, professionals and non-professionals. This book is important, and everybody should read or keep as a reference, as they will know in-depth, as most are unaware of the hidden problem. Young people, military, hospital workers, nurses, contractors, builders, architect, engineers, urban planners, public health doctors and everyone can benefit from this book. Hence, this book is useful not only for leisure reading but cherished for life. With the 25th anniversary of UMS, this book can be a milestone, for the wellness of UMS staff and people of Sabah.

Exposure to loud noise continues to be the largest cause of hearing loss in the adult population. The problem of NIHL impacts a number of disciplines. US standards for permissible noise exposure were originally published in 1968 and remain largely unchanged today. Indeed, permissible noise exposure for US personnel is significantly greater than that allowed in numerous other countries, including for example, Canada, China, Brazil, Mexico, and the European Union. However, there have been a number of discoveries and advances that have increased our understanding of the mechanisms of NIHL. These advances have the potential to impact how NIHL can be prevented and how our noise standards can be made more appropriate.

Manufacturing industry is one of the most important sectors that contribute significantly to the economy of Malaysia. More than half a million workers in Malaysia work in this industry and many of them are exposed to loud noises of more than 85dB that is harmful to health. Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the highest reported occupational disease affecting around 16% of workers globally. In this book, we reported a study conducted in 26 manufacturing industries that employed around 270,000 workers with more than 40% of them were exposed to noises that potentially cause NIHL. This cross-sectional study designed with face-to-face interviews using questionnaires conducted among Occupational Safety and Health practitioners and workers selected from these industries. Direct and indirect cost was imputed component covering cost of medical care and rehabilitation, transportation, loss of productive time and investigations. Costing data in the government hospital was obtained from casemix information system from a tertiary teaching hospital. The study confirmed that NIHL among workers in manufacturing industry imposed a huge economic burden for Malaysia. In order to mitigate this problem, the existing and yet out-dated noise regulation need to be reviewed. Meanwhile employers need to implement hearing conservation program more effectively.

People serving in the military will, at some point, be exposed to high-intensity noise of various types. Some may develop hearing loss, especially for high-frequency sounds, or tinnitus ("ringing in the ears"), or both, as a result of their noise exposure. Hearing loss or tinnitus incurred or aggravated during military service may qualify veterans for services and financial compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Since World War II, the human and financial cost associated with hearing loss among military veterans have repeatedly drawn attention to noise, hearing loss, and the need for hearing conservation in military settings.

Manufacturing industry is one of the most important sectors that contribute significantly to the economy of Malaysia. More than half a million workers in Malaysia work in this industry and many of them are exposed to loud noises of more than 85dB that is harmful to health. Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the highest reported occupational disease affecting around 16% of workers globally. In this book, we reported a study conducted in 26 manufacturing industries that employed around 270,000 workers with more than 40% of them were exposed to noises that potentially cause NIHL. This cross-sectional study designed with face-to-face interviews using questionnaires conducted among Occupational Safety and Health practitioners and workers selected from these industries. Direct and indirect cost was imputed component covering cost of medical care and rehabilitation, transportation, loss of productive time and investigations. Costing data in the government hospital was obtained from casemix information system from a tertiary teaching hospital. The study confirmed that NIHL among workers in manufacturing industry imposed a huge economic burden for Malaysia. In order to mitigate this problem, the existing and yet out-dated noise regulation need to be reviewed. Meanwhile employers need to implement hearing conservation program more effectively.