Hearing loss is one of the most common occupational health issues in the UK, affecting thousands of workers across various industries. If hearing loss isn’t caught early enough, it can have a dramatic impact on many aspects of your life. While your hearing can naturally degrade with age, industrial hearing loss is a preventable condition caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises in the workplace. But how do you know if you’re at risk?
In this blog post, you’ll learn about the causes, symptoms and prevention of industrial hearing loss. Additionally, we’ll review the industries where workers are most at risk of hearing loss and what you can do to protect yourself.
What Is Industrial Hearing Loss?
Industrial hearing loss, also known as occupational hearing loss or industrial deafness is a type of hearing damage caused by exposure to excessive noise levels for prolonged periods in the workplace.
In many cases, industrial hearing loss can take months or years to develop and its symptoms often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Unlike sudden hearing loss (which can be caused by a one-off event like an explosion), industrial hearing loss is usually the result of continuous or repeated exposure to loud noises.
You might be surprised to find out that it is damage to tiny hair cells found in the inner ear that causes industrial hearing loss. That’s because the damage caused to these hair cells prevents some sound signals from being sent to the brain. As these cells are unable to repair themselves, this type of damage can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Symptoms Of Hearing Loss
If ignored, hearing loss can and will progress. It cannot be restored after it has progressed beyond a certain point. Recognising the symptoms of hearing loss is crucial in stopping it from getting worse.
Here are a few of the early warning signs you could look out for:
- Difficulty hearing conversations (especially in noisy environments).
- Tinnitus – where you hear buzzing, whistling or other sounds in one or both ears.
- Muffled or distorted sounds.
- Needing to turn up the volume on your radio or television.
- Struggling to hear high-pitched sounds such as doorbells or alarms.
- Asking people to repeat what they said when having a conversation on your phone.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible. That’s because early intervention can help prevent further damage and could allow for changes to be made to your working practices before it is too late.
Industries At High Risk For Industrial Hearing Loss
No occupation can be considered 100% risk-free when it comes to hearing loss. There are certain industries, however, that can increase the risk factor tremendously. Without the appropriate protection against noise-induced hearing loss, your hearing could be at high risk if you are employed in any of these industries:
- Manufacturing and engineering. Factories and workshops often have machinery that produces constant high-decibel noise.
- Construction. Tools used in construction like jackhammers, drills and heavy machinery generate significant noise.
- Agriculture. Tractors, chainsaws and other farming equipment can expose workers to harmful noise levels.
- Music and entertainment. Musicians, DJs and sound engineers are frequently exposed to loud music and amplified sounds.
- Aviation. Ground crew and airport staff are at risk due to the noise from aircraft engines.
- Mining. The use of heavy equipment and drilling in confined spaces creates high noise levels.
- Transport and logistics. Workers in this sector are exposed to noise from vehicles, loading equipment and warehouses.
If you work in any of these industries, it is a good idea to be aware of the risks or any early signs of hearing damage so that you can take action as soon as possible to try and prevent long-term suffering.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB) and prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause hearing damage. To put this into perspective:
- Normal conversation: ~60 dB
- Heavy traffic: ~70-85 dB
- Power tools: ~80-110 dB
- Rock concert: ~105-120 dB
- Jet engine (close range): ~140 dB
In the UK, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 sets legal limits on noise exposure in the workplace. Employers are required to take action if noise levels exceed 80 dB and must provide hearing protection if levels reach 85 dB or higher. The legal limit, after accounting for hearing protection, is 87 dB. We’ll discuss what steps can be taken to reduce the risks of excessive workplace noise shortly.
The Impact Of Industrial Hearing Loss
Industrial hearing loss can have a profound impact on both personal and professional life. Beyond the obvious challenges of impaired hearing, it can lead to:
- Social isolation. Difficulty communicating can make social interactions frustrating and exhausting.
- Mental health issues. Hearing loss is linked to increased rates of anxiety, stress and depression.
- Reduced job performance. Struggling to hear instructions or warnings can affect productivity and safety in the workplace.
- Financial strain. Hearing aids and other treatments can be costly and some workers may face reduced earning potential if their hearing loss prevents them from working at the same level as before.
Any type of hearing loss can have a significant impact on your life. For this reason, your employer has a legal duty to try and protect you wherever possible.
What Can Employers Do To Prevent Industrial Hearing Loss?
The good news is that industrial hearing loss is largely preventable. Here are some examples of how employers can try to reduce the risks:
- Provide hearing protection
Employers in high-risk industries are required to provide hearing protection such as earplugs or ear defenders. If they are provided, you should make sure to use them consistently and correctly. - Limit exposure
If possible, your employer should try to reduce the amount of time you spend in noisy areas. This means that they could consider role rotation and ensure that you are allowed adequate rest breaks in quiet areas. - Ensure equipment is well maintained
In general, well-maintained machinery operates more quietly than equipment that is not functioning correctly. Therefore, you should report any faulty or excessively noisy equipment to your employer. - Monitor noise levels
Sound level meters and other systems should be used to monitor noise levels in the workplace. This can help identify areas where additional precautions are needed. - Install soundproofing
If machinery cannot be made quieter in other ways, soundproofing solutions should be considered. - Regular hearing checks
In the same way that some employers provide free sight tests for computer users, employers could consider offering free hearing tests for those at risk of industrial hearing loss. - Staff education
All staff should be made aware of the risks of hearing loss so that they understand the risks and appreciate why PPE should be worn when working in noisy areas. - Conduct regular risk assessments
Checking the workplace for risks that could lead to industrial hearing loss should be performed regularly and when necessary rather than relying on old information and assuming that nothing has changed.
In many cases, these steps are not just nice things to do. Instead, they form part of the employer’s legal duty of care towards employee safety. As such, failure to protect staff could be deemed negligent which, in turn, could allow a worker with industrial hearing loss to claim compensation for their suffering.
What to Do If You’ve Been Affected
Of course, if you’re an employee who is reading this blog post, you might already think that your hearing has been affected by your working conditions. If that’s the case, you should think about taking the following actions:
- Visit your GP. A healthcare professional can assess your hearing and recommend treatment options such as hearing aids. Your GP may need to refer you to a specialist for proper hearing tests.
- Report your concerns to your employer. If you tell your employer that you have been diagnosed with hearing loss, they have a legal obligation to investigate and, potentially, make changes to your work environment.
- Seek legal advice. If your hearing loss is due to employer negligence, you may be eligible to make an industrial deafness claim.
- Join a support group. Connecting with others who have experienced hearing loss can provide valuable advice on how to adapt as well as emotional support.
If you believe you have suffered industrial hearing loss because your employer failed to protect you, please feel free to contact us to see if you have grounds to start a compensation claim. In all cases, our initial consultation is free and you have no obligation to proceed with a claim.
In Conclusion
Industrial hearing loss is a serious but preventable condition that affects thousands of workers in the UK. By understanding the risks, recognising the symptoms and taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can reduce your chances of developing this life-altering condition.
Employers also play a crucial role in safeguarding their workers through proper risk management and education. If you work in a high-risk industry, don’t wait until it’s too late. Don’t worry about raising concerns with your employer as your discussion could help to protect your hearing in the future.