Certified Occupational Health Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free Occupational Health Nurse Practice Questions and Study Guide

The option regarding continuous high noise levels above 85 decibels is correct because prolonged exposure to sounds at or above this decibel level can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The physiological process behind this involves damage to the hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear, which can occur over time with extended exposure to elevated sound levels. These hair cells do not regenerate, hence the hearing loss can become permanent.

In occupational settings, it is essential to monitor and mitigate noise levels to prevent this type of hearing damage. Workers exposed to such environments without proper hearing protection or control measures are at a significant risk of developing irreversible hearing impairments.

The other choices involve scenarios that are less likely to result in permanent hearing loss. Brief loud sounds can cause temporary threshold shifts but are less likely to lead to permanent damage unless they are exceptionally loud or repeated frequently. Intermittent low noise levels typically do not pose a significant risk of hearing loss. Lastly, exposure to lower frequencies (below 500 Hz) tends not to be as hazardous for hearing compared to higher frequencies commonly associated with noise-induced damage.