A holistic risk management framework to address the global noise-induced hearing loss pandemic

Abstract

The paper presents a holistic risk management framework based on the core corporate governance principles and best-practice technology for addressing the global NIHL (noise-induced hearing loss) pandemic. While some await the announcement of a pharmaceutical drug therapy for hearing loss treatment and prevention, the challenges of noise control continue. Although preventable, the scenario remains tragic in terms of the statistics provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO). NIHL is among the most critical global health risks in terms of productivity, compensation statistics and noise-related deaths every year. Prevention of hearing loss remains the biggest challenge regardless of the availability of modern technology and best practice hearing conservation programmes (HCPs). An explorative research methodology was used to indicate a framework combining best practice with a diligent (bold) corporate and holistic approach to the NIHL problem. In essence, the paper therefore provides a thorough background to the global NIHL pandemic and presents a holistic risk management framework to address the problem