Importance of hearing protection

Hearing loss in adults can be caused by disease or infection, drugs, tumors, trauma, the aging process and exposure to harmful noise. Hearing loss can sometimes be accompanied by tinnitus; ringing in the ears.

Today, increase exposure to harmful levels of noise has resulted in a higher level of noise-induced hearing loss among the general population. Noise- induced hearing loss is one of the most prominent and most recognised occupational disease in modern times.

What causes noise-induced hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by a prolonged exposure to noise that causes damage to the hair cells in the cochlea and results in permanent hearing loss. The noise-induced hearing loss usually develops gradually over time and is typically painlessly. Hearing loss can occur suddenly as a result of an acoustic trauma or due to a single exposure or very few exposures to very high decibels of sound.

Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by noise from work environments, excessive and prolong exposure to loud everyday sounds such as music and traffic. Occupations with the highest incidents of hearing loss include energy and water extraction, manufacturing, landscaping, road work, music and construction. Moderate rates of hearing loss can be found in the fields of transportation, machinery, material handling, and assembly work. Typically, any occupation or activity that exposes one to high levels of noise can cause noise-induced hearing loss.

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

Since hearing loss is painless and gradual, it is often difficult to diagnose without a medical examination. However, there are some basic signs warning signs that can indicate a possible noise-induced hearing loss.

Common signs of possible hearing-induced hearing loss
1. You hear a ringing or other sound in your ear (called tinnitus)
2. You think you are talking normally, while everybody else thinks you are shouting
3. You find yourself turning the volume to your TV or radio more and more just to hear
4. You are unable to hear low or high end frequencies of sounds
5. You have trouble hearing over the phone
6. You cannot hear beyond 200 feet

When a person experiences difficulties, it is advisable that they seek some medical attention to make sure they are not experiencing the first signs of hearing loss.

Prevention of hearing loss

The most effective form of noise-induced hearing loss prevention in the workplace is a hearing conservation program. A hearing conservation program consists of monitoring noise levels, audiometric testing, hearing protectors, training, and recordkeeping. A good source of information for developing a hearing conservation program comes from OSHA. OSHA publishes a manual designed to guide companies in implementing a hearing conservation program. For details about OSHA's program visit them at: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3074.pdf

What are some forms of hearing protection?

Hearing protection devices typically come in two varieties: earplugs and earmuffs. Both types of hearing protection work by decreasing the intensity of sound that reaches the eardrum.

Earplugs

Earplugs tend to be small devices that are made to be inserted into a person's outer ear canal. For earplugs to be effective, they must totally block the ear canal with airtight seal. These devices are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The performance of these devices varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and is dependent on the level of protection that the device is made to provide.

Earmuffs

Traditionally, earmuffs are designed to cover the entire outer ear and to form an air tight seal so the entire circumference of the ear canal is blocked and protected from excessive noise. A properly fitted earmuff can be an effective noise reduction tool.

Can earmuffs and earplugs be combined?

Some occupations or users require additional hearing protection; users requiring a higher level of protection tend to use both earplugs and earmuffs together. The use of these devices as a unit is by far the most effective means of preventing noise-induced hearing loss. The use of both devices as a unit is generally recommended when noise levels exceeds 105 dB.

What If I have noise-induced hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss can develop over a period of several years. Since it is painless and gradual, it is often not noticed. If the signs of hearing damage are present, consult a physician with special training in ear care and hearing disorders (called an otologists). These types of doctors will be able to diagnose a hearing problem and recommend the best way to manage it.

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