Noise exposure is a risk that is present in all industries. Hazardous noise most commonly occurs in industries such as mining, manufacturing, and construction. But every industry has workers who are exposed to hazardous noise. For example, people working as janitors or administrative staff at noisy workplaces are also at risk for hearing loss.
For them, hearing hazards such as hazardous noise and chemicals that can damage hearing are frequent, and hearing loss is more common in noise-exposed construction workers compared to noise-exposed workers in all other industries, says a new study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Noise is all around us — at school, at home, and everywhere in between. Noise is a significant source of hearing loss. Prevention and early detection of hearing loss due to noise are important. Recognize signs of hearing loss and get your hearing tested if you are at risk.
Noise is a significant source of hearing loss, but you can protect your hearing. An important first step is to understand how noise causes hearing loss.
Like with noise, hearing loss caused by ototoxic chemicals varies based on: How often you are exposed (exposure frequency). How much you are exposed (chemical strength/potency). How long you are exposed (duration). Exposure to workplace hazards such as noise and other individual factors also influence the effect of chemicals that damage hearing. Individual factors may include elements such as ...
Overview Exposure to loud noise or certain chemicals while at work can damage your hearing. Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses and is permanent. Hearing loss is associated with Communication difficulties, making it challenging to maintain relationships with others. Other health problems, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), heart problems, cognitive ...
About Noise and Reproductive Health Key points Working in a noisy job can affect your hearing and harm your health. During pregnancy, exposure to very loud noise can increase your chances of having a baby with hearing problems. Learn more about noise at work and what you can do to reduce your exposure.
Retrofitting noisy equipment and tools costs much more than designing them to operate quietly. Buy Quiet is a prevention initiative that encourages companies to purchase or rent quieter machinery and tools to reduce worker noise exposure.
