Occupational hearing loss is a problem that affects employees all over the world. Regular loud sound and noise exposure causes workers to endure moderate to severe hearing loss, and some even get tinnitus due to these dangerous noise levels.
However, hearing loss may be avoided, and learning how to preserve your hearing at work can help prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Long-term exposure to excessive sound levels is most likely to cause hearing loss in workers such as laborers, tradespeople, and others.
Even if you aren’t in one of these industries, it’s crucial to be aware of sound level meters and other risk factors that might lead to work-related hearing loss while doing your duties: from continual, loud music to a lack of ear protection.
Read on to learn how to prevent occupational hearing loss and where to find the best hearing test in Lexington.
Stay Away from Loud Noises
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has said that one of the key variables in hearing impairment in the workplace is the amount of noise you have been exposed to and the duration of the noise. Whether it’s a one-time incidence or continuous exposure over time, intense noises might harm the ear faster.
In perspective, noise measured at or above 85 decibels (dB) over eight hours is harmful to your hearing. Intense noises, such as those above 100 dB, can induce hearing loss in 15 minutes.
So, employers must be aware of the noise and vibrations produced by the machinery their employees are obliged to operate, and they must make every effort to avoid such hazards. This may need technical controls to limit noise impact, replace replacement controls that produce less harmful noises, and separate hazards via sound isolation booths and other means.
Protect Your Hearing by Using Hearing Aid
While there are standards for companies to observe to create a safe workplace, there are also things you can do as an employee to protect your safety.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is only effective if employees follow the instructions and use it regularly; therefore, it’s vital to remember this simple but crucial approach to safeguard your hearing.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as earplugs or earmuffs should always be used when employees are exposed to harmful noise. Workers must be taught and provided with their hearing PPE to guarantee efficacy. Audio headphones are not a substitute for true hearing PPE.
So, if your workplace provides personal protective equipment and hearing care solutions, make sure to use it.
Undergo A Hearing Test
Hearing loss can occur if the tiny hair cells in your inner ear are destroyed due to occupational noise levels. This can be a lengthy process: many individuals do not realize they have a hearing problem until years later when there are few alternatives for treatment. In addition, if your auditory nerve is damaged, you may need to consider hearing aids or implants to hear and preserve your quality of life.
Hearing protection devices are required at work, especially if you have determined that strong noises occur regularly or that there is a possibility of abrupt loud noises damaging your hearing. However, using hearing aids isn’t enough; you should also get your hearing checked regularly by seeing an audiologist who does complete hearing examinations.
Conclusion
People take their hearing for granted a lot of the time. Regular hearing tests can help preserve good hearing even as people age. Any potential hearing concerns are addressed as soon as possible to avoid hearing loss.
Hear More Associates is one of the most reliable hearing care solutions providers serving Lexington, Greater Boston, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island Patients. Take our free hearing test today.
