RESUMEN
The hearing loss is one of the significant problems in the world. The disease can develop both for genetic reasons and under influence of external factors at work. The noise is the main indicator of occupational risk of hearing loss. Due to influence of noise and vibration, in certain crew members of water vessel develops professional sensorineural hearing loss that subsequently prevents signing of employment contract and continuation of work at sea. This circumstance confirms actuality of stated problematic. The article presents types of sensorineural hearing loss depending on classification criterion. The features of professional activities of seafarers in conditions of strong noise exposure are revealed. The methods of identifying hearing defects in ship crew members are determined. The advisable measures to protect hearing health and to prevent deafness are formulated.