The hum of normal conversation, the chirping of birds, or the rustle of leaves, are soothing sounds that grace our ears daily. However, when replaced by a continuous cacophony or drone in the workplace, these pleasant sounds can pose serious threats to our hearing health. This article highlights the urgency of ear protection and explores various measures that can protect our precious hearing.
THE IMPACT OF NOISE ON HEARING HEALTH
Sound travels as waves into our ears, where the inner ear’s hair cells transform them into electrical signals for our brain to interpret. When these hair cells are subjected to excessively loud noises for long durations, they become permanently damaged, leading to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Over 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise each year, escalating the risk of NIHL – a hearing disorder that’s preventable, but irreversible.
IDENTIFYING HAZARDOUS NOISE LEVELS IN THE WORKSPACE
Per Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), exposure to noises above 85 decibels (dB) – about the loudness of city traffic from inside your car – can cause harmful effects on our hearing over five years. Hence, understanding safe noise levels is critical for noise hazard prevention.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF ESSENTIAL EAR PROTECTION
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) serves as your guardian against hazardous workplace noise. Earplugs, disposable or reusable, are versatile, while earmuffs offer comprehensive coverage. Custom-made protectors provide personalized hearing protection and are especially beneficial for individuals with unique ear canal shapes. Each PPE has its distinct advantages and choosing the ideal one depends on the usage, comfort, and noise reduction requirements.
CORRECT USE AND MAINTENANCE OF EAR PROTECTION
To ensure optimal efficacy, PPE should fit properly and be worn at all times in noisy areas. Regularly cleaning and inspecting these devices for wear and tear is also critical for maintaining their effectiveness.
Preventive measures, regular check-ups, and attentive hearing care are crucial steps in maintaining optimal hearing health. As Benjamin Franklin wisely stated, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. We’re curious about other ways you practice hearing safety at your workspace. Contact us at Hearing Aid Express to schedule an appointment with our experienced audiologists, who are committed to keeping your ears secure and your hearing crystal clear.