When Should I Update My Hearing Aids?
If you’ve been wearing hearing aids for a while, you’re
By: admin | January 12, 2021
Noisy work environments are a major cause of hearing loss, the third most common chronic physical condition people navigate in the U.S. Referred to as occupational hearing loss (OHL), this results in a reduced ability to absorb and process sound. Impaired hearing can drastically affect relationships, job performance, social engagement, and overall health. It is important to be aware of occupational hearing hazards and the ways you can reduce your risk of developing hearing loss!
Occupational hearing hazards are a significant contributor to hearing loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Occupational hearing hazards are:
These hazards increase the risk of developing hearing loss, a permanent medical condition that can profoundly impact all aspects of life. Occupational hearing loss is more commonly caused by loud noise which can produce noise induced hearing loss.
Sound is considered too loud when it exceeds 85dB which is the equivalent of busy city traffic. If you have to raise your voice or need others to speak loudly, this is a good indication that the environment is too loud. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) had developed recommended guidelines that establish workplace volume. According to these guidelines, people can be exposed to 85dB for a period of 8 hours per day. Anything above this, is not only dangerous, but should be mediated. OSHA suggests that for every 3-decibel increase (after 85), the safe exposure time is cut in half:
One time or consistent exposure to loud noise (85dB+) can damage the hair cells in the inner ear. There are thousands of hair cells in each ear which help the brain process sound waves. These hair cells, unlike other types of cells, do not regenerate. This means that why they are damaged, the impact is permanent as there are no medical treatments that can restore these tiny cells.
Fortunately, noise induced hearing loss is preventable and simply requires being proactive about your hearing health!
There are numerous tips you can implement to protect your hearing health in and out of the workplace. A few tips include:
You can reduce your risk of occupational hearing loss by practicing safety measures that protect your hearing health! If you are concerned with your hearing abilities, contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing test.
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