Occupations that Lead to Hearing Loss

Everyone, no matter what their occupation, is at risk of hearing loss. But some professions increase the likelihood of developing problems with hearing more than others. It’s important to be aware of which occupations represent the highest risk so that workers can take appropriate steps to prevent hearing loss and have long and healthful careers.

Which jobs put you at risk the most?

Music and entertainment

People in the entertainment industry, especially those involved in music, are at high risk of developing hearing loss. Although it sounds good, the constant noise of music can slowly damage the delicate structures in the middle ear, causing hearing to deteriorate over time. DJs and artists who perform regularly can sometimes experience premature loss of their ability to hear, especially if they do not wear the appropriate ear protection.

Construction workers

Construction workers often work in noisy environments. Workers constructing a building next to a busy road may experience traffic noise up to 85 decibels. Those using power tools may be exposed to sounds in the 100 to 120 decibels range, enough to cause damage to the ear.

Dentists

Although it might sound strange to include dentists in a list of people in occupations prone to hearing loss, they are at higher risk of developing hearing problems thanks to the tools they use. A high-speed turbine drill can generate up to 115 decibels, well into the danger zone.

Motorcycle couriers

With the rise of on-demand delivery services, more and more people are becoming motorcycle couriers, ferrying pizza, take out and anything else people want, directly to their doors. But what many people do not realize is that motorcycle couriers are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss, even with their helmets on.

The problem for motorcycle couriers is wind resistance. The faster they travel, the quicker the air hits their helmets, creating both drag and noise. This noise can reach more than 90 decibels inside the helmet at speeds of 50 mph (and much louder at 70+ mph).

Factory workers

Some factories contain machines which emit loud noises. Lathes, bottle processing plants, and car plants are all notoriously loud. Machinery can generate sounds over 115 decibels, so factory workers need to take precautions to protect themselves.  

Flight crew

Jet engines can produce a noise of more than 120 decibels. Flight crews, especially those operating outside of their aircraft, can be exposed to sounds more than 130 decibels which is enough to rupture the eardrum.

Emergency services drivers

The sirens atop fire trucks, ambulances and police cars need to be loud to warn traffic ahead of their approach. But prolonged exposure to sirens (which can be more than 120 decibels) can damage the ears of drivers over time. Many emergency services drivers suffer hearing loss and visit hearing health professionals to get advice on how to mitigate loud noises. As always, proper ear protection is best.

Finally, other occupations which lead to hearing loss include athletes (because of the noise of the crowd), bouncers, bartenders, and farmers (because of heavy machinery).