General introduction 13 Noise and reverberation complicate the performance of everyday activities that rely on hearing function. In the case of sensorineural hearing loss, this can be explained by the decreased temporal, spectral, and spatial resolution (Dillon, 2008; Plomp, 1978). Temporal, spectral, andspatial resolutionareespecially required innoisyenvironments, with multiple simultaneous or subsequent sounds present. Listening effort increases in the attempt to compensate for the adverse effects of noise, causing participation in noisy situations to be more demanding and fatiguing (Beechey et al., 2020; Hornsby et al., 2016; McGarrigle et al., 2014). Unfortunately, the adverse effects of noise and reverberation can often not be fully compensated for by using extra listening effort; the difficulties with performing auditory tasks often remain in noisy situations. Noise can cause difficulties with performing auditory tasks, but higher noise levels are also associated with increased annoyance and distraction as well as decreased concentration, productivity, and working capacity (Sailer & Hassenzahl, 2000). This is particularly the case in industrial workers, shipyard workers, construction workers, military workers, and farmers (Lie et al., 2016). However, even noise at lower sound levels can cause these negative effects, especially when the complexity of the job task is high (Beaman, 2005; Landström et al., 1995). For example, office workers can be distracted by office noise, particularly from telephone ringing and others talking in the background (Banbury & Berry, 2005; Sundstrom et al., 1994). Individuals that are exposed to occupational noise are at risk for developing noiseinduced hearing loss. It is estimated that eight percent of the Dutch work-force is repeatedly being exposed to excessive noise levels at their workplace (Hooftman et al., 2020). Excessive noise exposure may directly result in a temporary reduction of hearing sensitivity, which is called a temporary threshold shift . This temporary threshold shift will largely disappear within 48 hours after the noise exposure if the ear is given enough rest (Mirza et al., 2018). However, if the noise exposure is persistent, permanent noiseinduced hearing loss will likely occur. This is called a permanent threshold shift. Other harmful effects of occupational noise exposure are tinnitus and hyperacusis. Activities and participation Activities Hearing loss may affect the performance of everyday activities that rely on sufficient hearing function (Granberg, 2015). For instance, reduced sensitivity and distortion of
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