Approximately two million workplace injuries are documented every year. When you think about on-the-job injuries, you may think of flying objects or a hand pulled into a piece of machinery at a factory.
But the most prevalent workplace injury is a lot more pernicious and commonly goes unreported. It sneaks up on people very gradually over the course of several years. The injury goes unnoticed until the symptoms become impossible to ignore. People typically make excuses. “It’s just part of the aging process” or “It’s a short-term problem”. This response is common.
And it’s unusual for people to even acknowledge that their workplace is to blame for this injury.
Hearing damage is this insidious injury. There are some essential steps you should take if you notice any of the numerous warning signs.
How Loud is Too Loud?
Continual exposure to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Seventy-five dB, for instance, is the average volume of a vacuum cleaner. Eighty-five dB for a lawnmower. If you’re exposed to a chainsaw or leaf blower you’re experiencing 100 dB. And the volume of a gunshot comes in at 140 dB.
Are you at risk when in your work environment? Is the most common workplace injury a problem for you? If you’re frequently exposed to noise as loud as a lawnmower, even if it’s not continuous, your hearing can become damaged over time.
Hearing Damage Signs
You’re absolutely harming your hearing if you work in a noisy environment without hearing protection.
Your experiencing hearing loss if you notice any of the following signs:
- You frequently ask people to repeat what they said.
- When you talk with people you constantly think they are mumbling
- When people speak, you tend withdraw.
- You hear ringing, hissing, or whistling even when it’s quiet.
- consonants get confused – “Todd” sounds like “Dodd,” for instance.
- People are always complaining about the loud volume of your media devices.
- You feel pain when you hear loud sounds.
- You can’t understand the person speaking if there’s background sound.
- Conversations sound muffled.
How is Hearing Damage Being Tackled by Employers?
Businesses and organizations are working with the latest technology to lessen workplace noise in overly loud settings. Government agencies are endeavoring to modify recommendations that will decrease workplace noise and protect employees.
As more employees become aware of the recurring damage they have suffered as a result of workplace noise, they are coming forward. With time, their voices will bring about further change.
Preventing Additional Damage
If you work in a noisy setting, the smartest thing you can do is protect your ears before any damage takes place. Potential damage will be decreased by using protective earplugs or earmuffs.
Schedule an appointment for a hearing examination right away if you think a noisy workplace has caused damage to your hearing. You will learn how to counter added damage when you find out how much hearing damage you have. We address any hearing damage you already have and formulate strategies to help you prevent any additional damage.
