This month is National Protect Your Hearing Month sponsored by the CDC and OSHA. This month is dedicated to noise and hearing loss prevention, a pertinent topic as occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses in the United States. Every year, about 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work. Over 30 million U.S. workers are exposed to chemicals, many which are ototoxic meaning harmful to the ear and hazardous to hearing. Hearing loss greatly damages workers’ quality of life and is also permanent. As hearing loss worsens, hearing and understanding others becomes increasingly difficult which can lead to isolation. Furthermore, hearing loss is associated with cognitive and mental decline and depression and also heart problems like high blood pressure and heart disease. Basic hearing loss can lead to loss of enjoyment from lack of ability to hear all the sounds we want to hear, while ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can disrupt sleep and concentration that is usually a precursor for depression and anxiety disorders. While occupational hearing loss can very negatively affect quality of life, it also impacts safety and carries a high economic price to society.
In an effort to prevent occupational hearing loss, the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for occupational noise exposure is 85 decibels, A-weighted, as an 8-hour time-weighted average (85 dBA as an 8-hr TWA) using a 3-dB exchange rate. Exposures at or above this level are considered hazardous to hearing and human health. To reduce workplace noise, use the NIOSH Hierarchy of Controls to reduce noise below the NIOSH REL whenever and wherever possible. Otherwise, it is imperative that hearing protection such as earplugs or headphones are used when hazardous noise levels cannot be adequately reduced. If an older piece of equipment needs to be replaced in the workplace, look to purchase one with engineered quiet options and settings to help bring down total workplace noise level.
To learn more or find resources on how to prevent occupational hearing loss, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/.
DII is your partner in workplace safety. Our team of experts can work with you to understand how to implement hearing prevention programs and adjust your workplace audio levels. Please contact your DII representative for more information. #NationalProtectYourHearingMonth #OccupationalHearingLoss
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