Manufacturing and hearing loss
Occupational hearing loss is a work-related injury caused by occupational hazards. It can be caused by noise or ototoxic chemicals present in a workplace. Manufacturing seems to be one of the top five leading industries when it comes to noise-induced hearing loss according to the USA surveys.
Noise-induced hearing loss
As an occupational hazard, noise-induced hearing loss is caused by the equipment and machinery used in a workplace. Any sound over 80 dB has a potential of damaging one’s hearing. The legal permits of exposure vary from country to country and they are usually set to either 85 dB or 90 dB (e.g. the USA) on average, over a span of 8 working hours. With each increase of 5dB, the allowed period of exposure is reduced by 50%.
Noise in manufacturing
Notorious for its noise, manufacturing falls into a category of the loudest industries. This is not only a myth, but an actual fact with consequences most people are not aware of. The noise can be made anywhere on the production line, with the variety of machinery, presses, compressed air, metal-on-metal noise etc. The noise is usually magnified by the echoing walls of hangars these production lines are often placed within.
The statistics accompanying the claims
Looking at the USA only, the numbers show that 8 out of 10 people employed in the manufacturing industry have the noise-induced loss. It is the most commonly-recorded occupational illness in manufacturing and it accounts for more than 72%. However, this is not a definite number, the percentage is even greater than that, seeing that the term occupational illness means that the workers have enough hearing loss to officially be hearing impaired. Many others seem to be on the same road, with hearing loss below the impairment threshold.
Hearing loss prevention
One advantage the manufacturing industry has over other industries is that its noise could be effectively controlled with the right engineering solutions in place. Each of the machines as well as, workers has their steady position and thus sound barriers can be made to stop, absorb and prevent sound from spreading throughout the entire area. This can provide those who are not using a certain machine from being affected by it. Also, effective and consistent hearing protection, in the form of earplugs or muffs, sometimes both when needed, is highly recommended to all the workers for their own safety.
How to recognize hearing loss
The two most common indicators of noise exposure in a workplace is a need to raise voice while communicating with coworkers, as well as a ringing sound in the ears during the hours following your work. Pay attention to the claims of those around you. If they complain that your hearing is no longer up-to-scratch, it is probably true. Also, you will be under an impression that people are mumbling, and you will have trouble participating in conversations in restaurants and clubs, with a lot of background noise.
When you know that you are at risk of losing your hearing, try to prevent it. Pay attention to any signs of the hearing loss and attend hearing tests regularly. Certain employers schedule annual check-ups for their employees, but even when this is not the case, you should make the initiative and schedule one yourself.
