Every year, about 2 million workplace injuries are documented. When you think about on-the-job injuries, you might think of flying projectiles or a hand pulled into a piece of machinery at a factory.
But the most prevalent workplace injury is a lot more pernicious and often goes unreported. It sneaks up on people extremely slowly over the course of several years. The injury goes undetected until the symptoms become impossible to dismiss. Excuses are a normal reaction. “It’s just part of aging” or “It’s a temporary issue”. This response is common.
And it’s unusual for people to even acknowledge that their workplace is to blame for this injury.
The insidious injury is hearing damage. There are some important steps you should take if you recognize any of the numerous warning signs.
How Loud is Too Loud?
Regular exposure to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) can trigger long-term damage to your hearing. For reference, a vacuum runs at about 75 decibels dB. A lawnmower delivers 85 dB. A chainsaw or leaf blower produces over 100 dB. A gunshot is about 140 dB.
Are you at risk when in your work environment? Are you being exposed to the most prevalent workplace injury? If you’re frequently exposed to something as loud as a lawnmower, even if it’s not continuous, your hearing can become damaged over time.
Symptoms of Hearing Injury
If you work in a noisy environment, there’s no question you’re harming your hearing.
The following is are early warning signs that you’re experiencing hearing loss:
- You regularly ask people to repeat themselves when they speak.
- Conversations sound muffled.
- consonants get confused – “Todd” sounds like “Dodd,” for example.
- When you speak with people you constantly think they are mumbling
- Loud noises cause pain in your ears.
- People are always complaining about the loud volume of your media devices.
- You tend to withdraw when people are talking.
- You’re hearing sounds in your ears like ringing, whistling, or hissing.
- You can’t understand the person speaking if there’s background noise.
What Are Employers Doing to Decrease Hearing Damage?
Businesses and organizations are utilizing the latest technology to lessen workplace noise in overly loud settings. Government agencies are endeavoring to modify recommendations that will minimize workplace noise and protect employees.
Employees are coming forward as they become mindful of the long-term damage that workplace noise is causing. In time, their voices will result in further change.
Preventing Further Damage
Safeguarding your ears before they are damaged is the smartest plan if you work in a loud setting. Potential damage will be decreased by using protective earmuffs or earplugs.
If you suspect your hearing has been damaged by a noisy workplace, schedule a hearing test as soon as you can. You will discover how to prevent added damage when you find out how much hearing damage you have. We address any hearing damage you already have and develop strategies to help you prevent any additional damage.
