Hearing Protection: October is National Protect Your Hearing Month

Hearing loss is the third most common health issue in the U.S. affecting an estimated 36 million Americans. What is most surprising is that half of all those who experience hearing loss are under the age of 65. And for many who fall into this category, hearing loss is due to work-related noise exposure. In 2009 alone, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more than 21,000 hearing loss cases. What is troubling is that exposure to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss which neither surgery nor a hear aid can correct. 

Additionally, excessive noise for workers can also reduce productivity, interfere with communication and cause physical and psychological stress. The following are some warning signs that your workplace may be too noisy and suggestions on how to reduce/eliminate noise and hearing loss:

Warning Signs that your workplace may be too noisy:

• You experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work
• You need to shout to be heard by a coworker who is an arm's length away
• You hear ringing or humming in the ears upon leaving work

What you can do to guard against occupational noise:

• Wear hearing protection (i.e., ear plugs, ear muffs, hardhat mounted ear muffs)
• Maintain and lubricate machinery and equipment to reduce unnecessary noise
• Choose low-noise tools and machinery when possible
• Enclose or isolate noise source or place a barrier between the noise source and employee such as a sound wall or curtain