Protecting Your Hearing at Work

Occupational hearing loss is a common risk for many Americans in the work force. According to Medline Plus, part of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, occupational hearing loss is “damage to the inner ear from noise or vibrations due to certain types of jobs.” The hearing loss is caused by repeated exposure to loud noise and music that, over time, causes hearing loss by damaging the tiny hair cells within the ear.

When does hearing loss occur?

Hearing loss occurs when a worker is exposed to noise that are above 80 decibels (dB). Noise above this threshold may cause vibrations so intense that it might damage the inner ear. Examples of noises above the 80 dB threshold include large trucks at a distance of five yards away (90 dB), rock concerts (100 dB), jackhammers at a distance of three feet away (120 dB) and a jet engine from a distance of 100 feet away (130 dB).

How loud is too loud?

Medline Plus states that if you have to shout to an employee or colleague to be heard, the sound is in the range that can cause damage and hearing loss. Additionally, other signs indicating a workplace is too noisy include leaving work with a ringing or humming in the ears and experiencing temporary hearing loss when leaving the job site.

Considering the types of noises above the 80 dB threshold, it is no surprise employees working in airline ground maintenance, construction, farming or other jobs involving loud music or machinery are the most common jobs putting individuals at risk for developing hearing loss.

OSHA rules for hearing loss

Fortunately, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has rules and regulations in place to help prevent hearing loss for those employees at risk. After all, OSHA estimates that 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year. As a result, U.S. businesses paid more than $1.5 million in penalties for failing to protect workers from noise. OSHA estimates that $242 million is spent each year on workers’ compensation for hearing loss disability.

Protecting hearing at work

To prevent these payouts and other costly fines, there are many steps employees often take to protect their employees’ hearing. An easy, inexpensive and effective method of prevention is providing hearing protection devices to employees at risk for noise exposure. Hearing protection devices include earmuffs and earplugs. 

Earmuffs are worn snugly over the ears and can reduce noise by 15-30 dB. Earplugs can be easily manipulated by the individual to ensure a tight and proper fit when protecting hearing.

If you think you are at risk for hearing loss at the work place and you want more hearing protection measures, contact your human resources representative. Consult with a hearing care provider in your area for further advice and support!