Occupational hearing hazard

Occupational Hearing Hazards

In Hearing Loss by Dr. Jason Leyendecker

Dr. Jason Leyendecker
Latest posts by Dr. Jason Leyendecker (see all)

Noise-induced hearing loss is a very real hazard for workers in many different industries. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), exposure to loud noise can damage the inner ear and lead to permanent hearing loss. Unfortunately, many people do not realize the risks of working in noisy environments until it is too late. Here, we will explore some of the most common occupational hearing hazards and what you can do to protect your ears.

Be aware of noise levels at your workplace

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that noise levels in the workplace should not exceed 85 decibels. If someone standing three feet away from you cannot hear you unless you shout, noise levels are likely over 85 decibels, and steps should be taken to protect your hearing. Numerous sound-measuring devices are available to gauge noise intensity in a workspace, including sound level meters, noise dosimeters, and octave band analyzers. These instruments can help you identify excessively loud areas in your workplace and let you know when and where you should take precautionary measures. 

If you experience any of the following, your workplace sound levels may be too loud:

  • Having difficulty hearing or communicating with someone an arm’s length away
  • Noticing a ringing or humming in your ears after leaving work
  • Temporarily losing your hearing after leaving work

There is an app that is publicly downloadable to mobile iOS smartphones that measure sound levels. Developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Sound Level Meter App can help you minimize occupational noise-induced hearing loss by providing sound level parameters and calculating the noise intensity in your immediate vicinity. 

Standard workplace noises that are harmful to your hearing

Hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries worldwide. Not only does hearing loss increase the risk of accidents in a workplace, but it can also have a significant impact on an individual’s productivity, communicability, and overall mental stability. Some common sources of harmful workplace noise to be mindful of are:

  • Airports and military bases: Amidst constant exposure to deafening jet engines, you should always wear hearing protection whether you live or work – on or near – these locations.
  • Sporting and concert venues: Unbeknownst to the patrons attending these exciting events, the sound levels within these platforms almost always exceed acceptable limits. Protecting your hearing is difficult here, as most would view diminished sound to be counter-productive to enjoying themselves. 
  • Construction work zones: Aside from the typical physical risks and hazards associated with development sites, these areas utilize equipment that emits dangerous noise daily. 
  • Auto shops and workshops: These places constantly employ the use of loud high-power tools and heavy machinery that consume energy from equally loud sources. 
  • Anywhere with consistent, loud ambient noise: Occupational hearing loss can be attributed to places that are constantly radiating loud noise, such as bars or amusement parks or areas with vacuums, hand driers, and backpack blowers perpetually operating. 
  • Impact tools: Equipment such as riveters, jackhammers, or drop forges all produce concussive sound and are notorious sources of occupational hearing damage. 
  • Pneumatic tools: These types of equipment utilize pressurized air and often produce higher frequency noise of great intensity. 
  • Heavy machinery: Large equipment units are almost always guaranteed to generate damaging noise levels. No matter their application, whether industrial manufacturing, agriculture, or processing to construction, the sheer size of these machines undoubtedly produces noise of detrimental intensity. 

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, noise levels in the workplace should be constantly monitored. If sound levels consistently exceed 85 decibels within an 8-hour shift, employers need to mobilize to mitigate the source of harm. Providing employees with appropriate personal protective equipment such as earplugs or earmuffs is usually a sufficient safety measure whenever it is not possible to reduce the noise emitted from the machines themselves. However, it is important to note that while personal protective equipment can be effective in protecting workers from noise-induced hearing loss, it is not a cure-all. In some cases, other efforts, such as limiting exposure time or providing quieter workstations, may prove to be more effective.