Long-Term Issues from Excessive Noise

Hearing loss affects nearly 10 percent of people in the United States. That number may be surprising, but hearing loss is known as a “hidden disability,” one that isn’t immediately apparent. Hearing loss has many causes. For example, the environment in which a person works may affect his or her hearing. Determining whether or not the workplace is responsible for hearing loss is a complicated, nuanced process that involves the cooperation of several professionals, and can lead to workers’ compensation claims for hearing loss.

Hearing loss is caused by exposure to excessive noise, which is categorized as noise above 80 decibels (an alarm clock, for example). Excessive noise, like traffic, loud music, and construction noise, can even cause hypertension and threaten heart health. It may also increase breathing rate, cause digestion problems, and increase irritability. People with hearing loss have a harder time finding employment due to the condition. Excessive noise often reduces worker efficiency and attention to tasks, which may lead to workplace injury beyond hearing loss.

People at high risk for work-related hearing loss include firefighters, DJs, construction workers, musicians, farm workers, factory workers, and transportation workers. People employed in these positions are often exposed to sustained noise over 85 decibels, which could result in gradual but permanent hearing loss.

Unfortunately, determining if hearing loss is work-related is a complicated process. The process involves multiple steps and cooperation between the employee, employer, and the employee’s doctor. Only a physician can diagnose hearing loss and determine if it is work-related. That decision, however, is dependent on the cooperation and diligence of the Occupational Hearing Conservationist (OHC) and Professional Supervisor (PS), both company employees. It is their responsibility to compile and review evidence of work-relatedness for the doctor to interpret.

Once the evidence is gathered and the employee has submitted an audiometric test, which measures hearing loss, the PS must work with the doctor to discover if the hearing loss is due to work environment, lifestyle, or a medical condition. After the doctor is satisfied that neither lifestyle nor medical condition caused the hearing loss, he or she can determine that it is more probable than not that the hearing loss is work-related.

Since many careers involve loud and excessive noise, it is best to take preventative measures to protect hearing. Limiting exposure to noise and wearing hearing protection when excessive noise is unavoidable can help prevent hearing loss. An annual hearing test will also keep an employee informed about the status of his or her hearing.