The Hidden Dangers of Loud Noise Exposure

According to the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OHSA), over 30 million American workers are exposed to dangerous levels of noise each year. And since 2004, nearly 125,000 workers have suffered from permanent hearing loss as a result of their job-related exposure to loud noise. These are all alarming statistics that should serve as a real eye-opener for companies. Thankfully, employees can reduce their chance of suffering from hearing loss by taking a proactive approach towards the problem. To learn more about the hidden dangers of loud noise exposure and how to prevent it, keep reading.

Let me first start off by saying that some noise is perfectly acceptable in the workplace. If employees performed their professional duties without the ability to listen, they wouldn't be able to communicate with one another; thus, reducing the company's productivity and efficiency. With that said, long-term exposure to exceptionally loud noise places employees at risk for hearing loss.

Legal Limitations on Noise Exposure

The OHSA places legal limitations on the amount of noise companies can expose workers to. This limitation is necessary to protect employees' health and well-being. Currently, the OHSA states that companies can not expose workers to more than 85 dBA in an 8-hour time frame. In addition, there's also an exchange rate of 3 dBA, which basically means that each 3 dBA increase doubles the sound level while cutting the time duration (standard 8 hours) in half.

For more information on the OHSA's official stance towards work-related loud noises, visit their page published here.

Dangers of Loud Noise Exposure

• Temporary or permanent hearing loss
• Chronic ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Headaches
• Elevated blood pressure
• Stress and fatigue
• Digestive problems

How To Protect Employees From Loud Noise Exposure

The first step companies should take towards reducing the chance of loud noise-related injury is to perform an analysis of their workplace along with their machinery and equipment. Older model factory machines tend to produce more noise while running less efficiency than new models. Investing in new machinery might offer a sounder environment for employees to work.

Of course, employees can also wear Hearing Protection Devices (HPD) to protect themselves from loud noise. These devices are available in a wide range of styles, sizes and designs, all of which focus on one single objective -- to protect the user's ears from loud noise. Wearing the appropriate HPD when working around loud machinery will reduce the chance of hearing loss.