Many workers have job duties that involve being subjected to loud noises. This exposure can lead to significant problems for these employees if the hearing loss isn’t noticed and treated early.
The onus is on employers to ensure that their employees have a safe working environment. One thing that’s critical in these cases is noise mitigation and a program to help protect employees’ hearing. This might mean installing noise-dampening equipment, supplying proper ear protection or rotating tasks to limit prolonged exposure. OSHA mandates hearing conservation programs for environments where noise levels exceed safe thresholds.
Prolonged exposure is dangerous
Prolonged exposure to noise that’s 85 decibels or higher can cause damage to the ear. It may not seem like the exposure is dangerous at first, but it can lead to permanent hearing damage if it isn’t addressed.
In many cases, occupational hearing loss is gradual. Some workers may not realize that anything is amiss until it’s too late. It might be someone close to the worker who realizes that they need to talk a little louder during a conversation or that the television is a little louder than usual. Once the inner ear suffers damage, the loss is usually irreversible.
Monitoring and prevention are essential
Workplaces should have a comprehensive hearing protection program, which should include regular noise assessments, annual hidden tests and employee training on how to effectively use hearing protection. If those steps aren’t taken or if protective equipment is inadequate, workers can experience preventable hearing loss.
On-the-job hearing loss can affect job performance, but the impacts don’t end there. It can also interfere with daily communication and every aspect of life. It’s critical that all employees who are experiencing signs of hearing loss seek immediate medical attention, which should be covered by workers’ compensation. Benefits beyond medical care coverage might be possible, but the worker may need to fight for them.
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