OSEA Safety Blog

October is recognized as National Protect Your Hearing Month, a critical reminder of the importance of safeguarding auditory health. Hearing loss is a pervasive issue, representing the third most common chronic health condition in the United States. Current statistics indicate that approximately 40 million adults aged 20–69 suffer from noise-induced hearing loss, a condition that can occur even among individuals who report having "excellent to good" hearing. Alarmingly, about 1 in 4 adults in this demographic already exhibit signs of auditory damage, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect hearing. It is essential to recognize that once hearing loss occurs and becomes noticeable, significant damage has already taken place.

Did you know? The hair cells responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain do not regenerate, underscoring the importance of prevention. Individuals should take steps to mitigate exposure to loud environments, utilize hearing protection in high-noise situations, and undergo regular hearing assessments, particularly if they are frequently exposed to noise. By prioritizing hearing protection, it is possible to reduce the risk of permanent hearing impairment and maintain auditory health throughout life. Very loud noises, such as using firearms, can cause you to lose your hearing almost instantly. You can damage your hearing in less than 15 at loud sporting events or concerts. You can even damage your hearing if your headphones or earbuds are too loud. Even if the noise is not loud, if it lasts long, such as when you are using machinery, it can have the same damaging effect as loud noises.

According to the World Health Organization's 1999 Guidelines for Community Noise, exposure to sound levels above 70 dB over a 24-hour period poses a significant risk for hearing impairment. This threshold is crucial, as continuous exposure to elevated noise levels can lead to irreversible damage to the hair cells within the cochlea, which are essential for sound perception.

Hearing loss can happen to anyone, anywhere, in any industry if the conditions are right. In the workplace, occupational hearing loss is one of the most common and permanent occupational illnesses. 22 million workers are exposed to noise hazards each year. 1 in 4 workers will have their hearing affected by noise conditions at work. The good news is that you and your team can take steps to protect workers hearing during the workday. Not sure where to start? PPE is a great initiative. Headphones or ear protectors should be provided and worn if noise activity is commonplace during the day. If you are able, move individuals away from noise-producing machinery or put barriers in place to protect others who may not be utilizing noise-producing machinery or tools. Take frequent breaks away from noise-producing activities to give your body a chance to rest.

Source: http://cdc.gov