How to Protect Against Hearing Loss in the Workplace

Do you work in a noisy environment? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one in 10 workers suffer from some degree of hearing loss. If your workplace is noisy, you could be at risk for hearing loss. Constant exposure to loud noise will take a toll on your sense of hearing, and if left unchecked, it may harm your sense of hearing. You can protect against hearing loss in the workplace, however, in several simple ways.

Create Distance From Loud Noises

The closer you are to the origin of a loud noise, the greater your risk of suffering hearing loss. Therefore, you should try to create as much distance between yourself and the loud noises in your workplace as possible. If you work in a factory, for instance, moving just a few feet farther away from heavy machines can have a positive impact on your sense of hearing.

Install Soundproofing Materials

Another way to protect against hearing loss in the workplace is to install soundproofing materials. There are wall, ceiling and floor panels, for example, that are designed to absorb sound waves. While they are typically more expensive than traditional panels, they are ideal for noisy workplaces. Once installed, the "acoustic" panels will absorb sound waves to promote a quieter workplace while subsequently protecting you and other workers from hearing loss.

Wear Noise-Canceling Headphones

Perhaps the most effective way to protect against hearing loss in the workplace is to wear noise-canceling headphones. As the name suggests, noise-canceling headphones are designed to cancel noise. When wearing them, you won't be able to hear anything, which can prove beneficial if you work in a particularly loud environment.

Limit Exposure to Loud Noise

Of course, you should still limit your exposure to loud noise. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has exposure limits for loud noise. Under OSHA's guidelines, for instance, workers can only be exposed to 90 dBA noise for a period of no more than eight hours.

Don't Smoke

You might be surprised to learn that smoking cigarettes can increase your risk of hearing loss. Research shows that smokers are up to 1.6 times more likely to suffer from hearing loss than nonsmokers. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of nasty toxins and chemicals. It's believed that exposure to these toxins and chemicals