Noise is a common workplace hazard. Each year, approximately 30 million people are exposed to high levels of noise on the job. Studies show that noise-induced hearing loss is the second most self-reported occupational illness or injury.
The effects of too much noise can be temporary, such as a ringing in the ears that eventually fades away in minutes or hours. However, repeated or extended exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent, incurable hearing loss, or tinnitus.
Hearing loss can be a problem at any workplace, but workers in the agriculture, mining, construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries face more exposure to dangerous levels of noise.
Besides the physical toll, hearing loss can be an economic burden. Employers face workers' compensation disability settlements while employees put out for personal medical costs.
Organizations such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommend removing hazardous noise from the workplace whenever possible and using hearing protectors in situations where exposure cannot be controlled.
Hearing Loss Prevention
Eliminating hazardous noise through engineering methods -- such as installing a muffler or building an acoustic barrier -- is the most effective way to prevent hearing loss. However, such measures aren't always possible. Therefore, workers need to wear hearing protectors when performing jobs that expose them to high levels of noise. Common and effective hearing protectors include:
Expandable foam plugs. These are designed to expand and conform to the shape of each person's ear canal.
Pre-molded, reusable plugs. Made from silicone, plastic or rubber, these devices are available as "one-size-fits-most" or in several sizes.
Canal caps. These resemble earplugs on a flexible plastic or metal band. The earplug tips may be a formable or pre-molded material. Some have headbands that can be worn over the head, behind the neck, or under the chin.
Earmuffs. These block out noise completely by covering the outer ear and come in many models designed to fit most people.
Design a Program
In addition to the engineering and hearing protector methods, NIOSH recommends that all workplaces start hearing loss prevention programs. Training and education are especially important. Hearing loss stems from lack of training for workers and the inadequate knowledge of people who run the programs.
Another important key to a successful program is supervisor involvement. Researchers have discovered that the reason many employees don't wear hearing protectors or undergo frequent hearing tests is that their supervisors aren't totally committed to hearing-loss prevention efforts.