Accident Claims Advice
Phone Icon0800 6524 881
Mobile Icon0333 000 7777
Mon – Sun: 24 hours.

Request callback

Menu
  • Type of Accident
    • Accidents At Work

      • Accident At Work Claims
      • Agency Workers Claims
      • Electrician Accident Claims
      • Factory Accident Claims
      • Fall At Work Claims
      • Farming Accident Claim
      • Forklift Truck Accidents
      • Office Accident Claims
      • Warehouse Accidents
      • Work Accident Claims
    • Road Traffic Accidents

      • Road Traffic Accident (RTA) Claims
      • Cycling & Bicycle Accident Claims
      • Bus Accident Claims
      • Car Accident Claims
      • Driving Lesson Accident
      • Emergency Vehicles
      • HGV\LGV Accidents
      • Hit & Run Accident Claims
      • Motorbike Accident Claims
      • Whiplash Claims
    • Medical Claims

      • Anaesthetic Negligence
      • Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis
      • Cosmetic Dentistry Negligence
      • Cosmetic Surgery Negligence
      • Dental Negligence Claims
      • Laser Eye Surgery
      • Lung Cancer Claims
      • Medical Misdiagnosis
      • MRSA Compensation Claims
      • Scaphoid Injury Misdiagnosis
    • Other Claims

      • Allergic Reactions
      • Criminal Injuries Claim
      • Fatal Accident Claims
      • Holiday Accident Claims
      • Hotel Accident Claims
      • Needlestick Injury Claims
      • Slips, Trips and Falls
      • Sports Injury Claims
      • Manhole / Drain Cover Claims
      • All Claims
    • Close
  • Type of Injury
    • Life Altering Injuries

      • Amputation Claims
      • Asbestos Claims
      • Brain Injury Claims
      • Burn Injury Claims
      • Catastrophic Injury Claims
      • Electric Shock Claims
      • Fatal Accident Claims
      • Mesothelioma Claims
      • Scarring Claims
      • Spinal Injury Claims
    • Work Injuries

      • Back Injury At Work
      • Building Site Injury
      • Bursitis Compensation Claims
      • Emphysema Claims
      • HAVS Compensation Claims
      • Manual Handling Injury
      • Industrial Deafness Claims
      • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
      • Tinnitus Compensation Claims
      • Vibration White Finger (VWF)
    • Body Injuries

      • Ankle Injury Compensation
      • Arm Injury Claims
      • Elbow Injury Claims
      • Eye Injury Claims
      • Hand Injury Claims
      • Hernia Injury Claims
      • Hip Injury Claims
      • Knee Injury Claims
      • Leg Injury Claims
      • Shoulder Injury Claim
    • Other Injury Types

      • Child Injury Claims
      • Chronic Pain Claims
      • Concussion Injury Claims
      • Food Poisoning Compensation
      • Football Injury Claim
      • Nursery School Injury
      • Keyhole Surgery Claims
      • PTSD Compensation Claims
      • Rugby Injury Claims
      • Thoracic Surgery Claims
    • Close
  • No Win No Fee
    • Conditional Fee Agreement Explained
    • Close
  • FAQ’s
      • Accident At Work Procedure
      • Calculating A Personal Injury Compensation Claim
      • Can I Claim For Somebody Else?
      • Can I Claim For Loss Of Earnings?
      • Can I Claim If Blame Is Uncertain?
      • Can I Raise A Personal Injury Claim?
      • Car Accident Claims FAQs
      • Difference Between General And Special Damages
      • Dismissed After Accident At Work
      • Do You Need A Personal Injury Solicitor?
      • Faulty Product Claims FAQ’s
      • How To Raise A Personal Injury Claim
      • I Fell Down Stairs At Work – What Are My Rights?
      • I Had An Accident At Work What Are My Rights?
      • I Slipped And Fell At Work What Should I Do?
      • I Slipped In A Supermarket Can I Claim?
      • If I Was Partly Responsible, Can I Claim?
      • Injured At Work Do I Get Paid?
      • Pavement Trip Hazard Height
      • Personal Injury Claims Compensation Calculator
      • RTA Claims FAQ’s
      • What Is Duty Of Care?
      • What Is A Litigation Friend?
      • What To Do In A Car Accident
      • Whiplash Claims Compensation Calculator
      • Will My Claim Be Successful?
    • Close
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Reviews
Call Back Form

Please fill out the form and we’ll call you back.

    Details submitted are only used to deal with your request.

    Are You At Risk For Industrial Hearing Loss?

    November 9, 2020 by admin 0 comments

    Industrial hearing loss is a type of workplace-related injury that unfortunately does not receive the attention it should. The impact of hearing loss on quality of life is often overlooked. The reason for this unfortunately is because it is an invisible injury. The fact is any type of hearing disability can be extremely distressing and can impact an individual’s life in many ways.

    Causes & Forms of Industrial Hearing Loss

    Industrial hearing loss is also known as noise-induced hearing loss. Its primary cause is exposure to high levels of noise in the workplace. This could be exposure to continuous sound at high Industial Hearing Loss Victimdecibels or even one loud noise from a very close proximity.

    Noise-induced hearing loss can take four main forms:

    Tinnitus

    Tinnitus manifests as a continuous ringing, buzzing, clicking, or whistling sound in one or both ears. It can be temporary or chronic and persistent.

    Acoustic trauma

    Constant or repetitive loud noises at close proximity to the ear can cause acoustic trauma. The damage can range from muffled hearing to perforated eardrums.

    Temporary deafness

    Exposure to high levels of noise over an extended period of time can cause temporary partial or complete deafness. Hearing may be restored partially or completely if the worker gets sufficient time away to rest and recover.

    Permanent deafness

    Permanent deafness usually occurs over a period of time from continual exposure to high-level noises without adequate protection. Under these circumstances, hearing deteriorates slowly. Without timely corrective action, the hearing loss becomes permanent.

    Although exposure to high noise levels can damage your hearing no matter where you work, workers employed in certain industries are at higher risk of industrial hearing loss.

    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 increase the risk factor tremendously. Without the appropriate protection against noise-induced hearing loss, your hearing could be at risk if you are employed in any of these industries:

    Construction

    A variety of high-powered machinery and heavy vehicles are used routinely on construction sites during different phases of construction, from excavation machines, dumper trucks, and cement mixers, to electrical drills, saws, and many more. All of these emit high levels of noise on their own. The cumulative effect of these noises can literally be deafening. It’s not surprising that workers employed in the construction industry are at the highest risk for industrial hearing loss.

    Manufacturing

    Manufacturing plants are notoriously noisy with the combined noises of several loud machines all operating at the same time. The enclosed space of the factory floor amplifies these sounds, resulting in noise levels that can be far above the recommended safety limits. What makes manufacturing floors even more dangerous is that workers can get accustomed to the consistent noise that goes on in the background nonstop. Under these circumstances, hearing loss can progress gradually and most workers do not realise it until it is too late.

    Entertainment/Nightlife

    For nightclub patrons, loud thumping music often at levels reaching 100 dB and higher is the highlight of the evening out. While this may do minimum hearing damage to the revellers themselves, the staff who are exposed to the turned-up music night after night are at high risk for hearing loss. Tinnitus, acoustic trauma, and temporary or permanent deafness are common among DJs, bar staff, musicians, bouncers, and other security personnel. Although many nightclubs are aware of the maximum volume allowed, it isn’t unknown for them to flout these limits in the pursuit of popularity.

    Military

    Acoustic trauma is among the most common service-related disability among military veterans. Ear-splitting explosions and gun-fire, and the roar of aircraft engines all at close proximity to military personnel on the field can wreak havoc on their hearing.

    Mining

    From underground mining equipment to above-ground dragline excavators, almost all heavy machinery used in the mining industry emit loud noises that are well over the recommended safety decibel limit, putting workers at very high risk for hearing damage.

    Agriculture/Farming

    You would hardly imagine that the agriculture or farming industry would make it on this list. The fact is, workers in these two industries are routinely exposed to several different sources of noise, from combine harvesters and chainsaws to shredders, cutters, and wood chippers. Exposure to even a single source over extended periods of time can damage workers’ hearing. Exposure to multiple sources of loud noise can cause permanent damage.

    Early Signs 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.

    Early signs of hearing loss can include:

    • Needing to turn up the volume on the television or radio in order to hear.
    • Struggling to hear what somebody else is saying or missing parts of the conversion and asking them to repeat themselves.
    • Muffled hearing as if something is covering your ears.
    • Consistent, buzzing, hissing, or ringing sounds in the hears.
    • Not hearing the doorbells or phone calls.

    These symptoms may be seen in only one ear or both ears.

    What Employers & You Can Do To Prevent Industrial Hearing Loss

    Hearing loss due to noise exposure is largely preventable by observing safety guidelines and putting safety measures in place. Towards this end, employers can protect their workers by:

    • Using the quietest appropriate equipment to perform the job.
    • Control the level of noise by fitting machines with noise-reduction devices such as a noise dampener or silencer.
    • Change the layout of the workplace to reduce the amplified collective sounds from noisy machines placed in close proximity to each other.
    • Provide workers with adequate training with an emphasis on safety measures.
    • Provide workers with appropriate hearing protection in the form of earmuffs, earplugs, or semi-inserts.
    • Send workers for regular hearing tests so remedial action can start before the hearing loss is permanent.

    Regardless of the industry you work in, you must take steps to protect your hearing. This is even more important if you work in an industry that’s a high risk of causing hearing damage.

    • Make sure you wear the ear protection that your employer provides and heed all safety guidelines.
    • Look after your protective device so that it continues to work efficiently and protect your hearing. If it does not fit properly or it is worn out, bring it to the notice of your supervisor or safety representative, and get a replacement right away.

    If, despite all precautions, you experience any sign of hearing difficulties, seek medical advice as soon as possible to prevent any further hearing loss. If you believe your employer is responsible for your hearing loss you may also want to read our advice on industrial deafness compensation claims.

    Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: industrial hearing loss

    0 comments… add one
    Cancel reply

    Leave a Comment

    Search Advice

    Random Posts

    Sprained Ankle Treatment

    How To Treat A Sprained Ankle

    July 16, 2019 9:29 am

    A sprained ankle can result from a wide range of... Read more →

    Kids Playground

    Keeping Children Safe On The Playground

    June 2, 2017 10:27 am

    During the summer months, neighbourhood playgrounds become a hub of... Read more →

    Pressure Sores

    Pressure Sores: Causes, Risk Factors And Prevention

    November 27, 2019 10:05 am

    A pressure sore/pressure ulcer generally starts off as an area... Read more →

    Contact us –

    Call – 0800 6524 881
    Mobiles – 0333 000 7777
    Mon – Sun: 24 hours

    Email – admin@accidentclaimsadvice.org.uk

    Head office details

    Champion European Suites,
    6 Arrowe Brook Rd,
    Birkenhead,
    Wirral,
    Cheshire,
    CH49 0AB.

    Useful Pages

    Home
    Contact Us
    Privacy Policy
    Cookie Policy
    Disclaimer
    RTC Injury Finder
    Complaints Procedure

    Search Accident Claims Advice

    AccidentClaimsAdvice.org.uk is operated by JF Law Limited. JF Law Limited is a law firm and limited company authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under SRA No: 619586. VAT Number: 210539444.


    © 2020 www.accidentclaimsadvice.org.uk

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled

    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

    SAVE & ACCEPT
    • Home
    • All Claims
    • Type of Accident
      ▼
      • Accidents At Work
        ▼
        • Accident At Work Claims
        • Agency Workers Claims
        • Electrician Accident Claims
        • Factory Accident Claims
        • Fall At Work Claims
        • Farming Accident Claim
        • Forklift Truck Accidents
        • Office Accident Claims
        • Warehouse Accidents
        • Work Accident Claims
      • Road Traffic Accidents
        ▼
        • Road Traffic Accident (RTA) Claims
        • Cycling & Bicycle Accident Claims
        • Bus Accident Claims
        • Car Accident Claims
        • Driving Lesson Accident
        • Emergency Vehicles
        • HGVLGV Accidents
        • Hit & Run Accident Claims
        • Motorbike Accident Claims
        • Whiplash Claims
      • Medical Claims
        ▼
        • Anaesthetic Negligence
        • Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis
        • Cosmetic Dentistry Negligence
        • Cosmetic Surgery Negligence
        • Dental Negligence Claims
        • Laser Eye Surgery
        • Lung Cancer Claims
        • Medical Misdiagnosis
        • MRSA Compensation Claims
        • Scaphoid Injury Misdiagnosis
      • Other Claims
        ▼
        • Allergic Reactions
        • Criminal Injuries Claim
        • Fatal Accident Claims
        • Holiday Accident Claims
        • Hotel Accident Claims
        • Needlestick Injury Claims
        • Slips, Trips and Falls
        • Sports Injury Claims
        • Manhole / Drain Cover Claims
    • Type of Injury
      ▼
      • Life Altering Injuries
        ▼
        • Amputation Claims
        • Asbestos Claims
        • Brain Injury Claims
        • Burn Injury Claims
        • Catastrophic Injury Claims
        • Electric Shock Claims
        • Fatal Accident Claims
        • Mesothelioma Claims
        • Scarring Claims
        • Spinal Injury Claims
      • Work Injuries
        ▼
        • Back Injury At Work
        • Building Site Injury
        • Bursitis Compensation Claims
        • Emphysema Claims
        • HAVS Compensation Claims
        • Manual Handling Injury
        • Industrial Deafness Claims
        • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
        • Tinnitus Compensation Claims
        • Vibration White Finger (VWF)
      • Body Injuries
        ▼
        • Ankle Injury Compensation
        • Arm Injury Claims
        • Elbow Injury Claims
        • Eye Injury Claims
        • Hand Injury Claims
        • Hernia Injury Claims
        • Hip Injury Claims
        • Knee Injury Claims
        • Leg Injury Claims
        • Shoulder Injury Claim
      • Other Injury Types
        ▼
        • Child Injury Claims
        • Chronic Pain Claims
        • Concussion Injury Claims
        • Food Poisoning Compensation
        • Football Injury Claim
        • Nursery School Injury
        • Keyhole Surgery Claims
        • PTSD Compensation Claims
        • Rugby Injury Claims
        • Thoracic Surgery Claims
    • No Win No Fee
      ▼
      • Conditional Fee Agreement Explained
    • FAQ’s
      ▼
      • Accident At Work Procedure
      • Calculating A Personal Injury Compensation Claim
      • Can I Claim For Somebody Else?
      • Can I Claim For Loss Of Earnings?
      • Can I Claim If Blame Is Uncertain?
      • Can I Raise A Personal Injury Claim?
      • Car Accident Claims FAQs
      • Difference Between General And Special Damages
      • Dismissed After Accident At Work
      • Do You Need A Personal Injury Solicitor?
      • How To Raise A Personal Injury Claim
      • Faulty Product Claims FAQ’s
      • I Fell Down Stairs At Work – What Are My Rights?
      • I Had An Accident At Work What Are My Rights?
      • I Slipped And Fell At Work What Should I Do?
      • I Slipped In A Supermarket Can I Claim?
      • I Slipped On Water At Work What Should I Do?
      • If I Was Partly Responsible, Can I Claim?
      • Injured At Work Do I Get Paid?
      • Pavement Trip Hazard Height
      • Personal Injury Claims Compensation Calculator
      • RTA Claims FAQ’s
      • What Is Duty Of Care?
      • What Is A Litigation Friend?
      • What To Do In A Car Accident
      • Whiplash Claims Compensation Calculator
      • Will My Claim Be Successful?
    • Blog
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Reviews