Katie Koebel

Nearly 22 million workers in the United States are exposed to hazardous noise every year, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Similarly, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) found that over 42% of Canadian workers are exposed to potentially hazardous noise levels at work, with approximately 11 million exposed to workplace noise that could cause hearing damage. These statistics highlight the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss risk in North America. Maintenance professionals are especially vulnerable among these workers, as they often work in environments with loud equipment and other constant noise sources. Fortunately, noise-induced hearing loss is largely preventable when workers take the proper precautions, such as routinely wearing hearing protection. Managers can help protect their workers by reviewing the risks of hearing loss in maintenance work and offering their staff actionable steps to mitigate them. Understand hearing loss Occupational hearing loss is a gradual, often unnoticed injury that can have long-term effects. It typically occurs when workers are exposed to high levels of noise over extended periods. The NIOSH asserts that prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels (dB) can cause permanent hearing damage. Maintenance professionals are frequently surrounded by loud equipment and machinery such as vacuums, leaf blowers, drills, compressors, and HVAC systems and are regularly exposed to noise levels exceeding this threshold. The long-term effects of hearing loss include difficulty understanding speech, trouble with communication, and, in severe cases, tinnitus—a persistent ringing in the ears. In Canada, it is estimated that approximately 37% of adults will experience tinnitus at some point in their lives, with about 7% experiencing chronic or persistent tinnitus. This condition can be debilitating if left untreated. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 10% of American adults experience tinnitus. In addition to physical symptoms, hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation, stress, and decreased job performance, making it a serious concern for both workers and their employers. Given the risks, it is crucial that maintenance professionals understand the need for preventive measures in their daily routines. Hearing loss is irreversible but preventable, so awareness and protection are the keys to maintaining long-term hearing health. Maintenance professionals can take several practical steps to protect their hearing. Use personal protective equipment One of the most effective methods of preventing hearing loss is to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Earplugs, noise-cancelling earmuffs, and other hearing protection devices are essential for reducing noise exposure. Each comes with a noise reduction rating (NRR), which states the number of decibels the equipment can drown out. For example, foam earplugs, which offer a NRR of 20-30 dB, are a cost-effective and reusable option that fits inside the ear canal. However, they may not be comfortable for everyone and can be easily lost due to their small size. Conversely, canal caps, with an NRR of 30 dB, sit outside the ear canal and are connected by a cord, making them less likely to be lost since they can be worn around the neck. Premolded earplugs, with an NRR of 25 dB, follow a “one size fits all” approach, so finding the right style and size may require some trial and error. Custom-molded earplugs, which provide an NRR of 25 dB or higher, are crafted by a hearing care professional and offer enhanced comfort for long-term use, though they come at a slightly higher cost. Standard earmuffs, which provide an NRR of 15-30 dB, resemble headphones and help muffle environmental sounds. Electronic earmuffs, which also offer an NRR of 30 dB, look similar but feature noise-cancelling electronics and may include communication technology, allowing users to communicate without removing the hearing protection. When used correctly, these devices can block harmful noise levels, helping to prevent hearing damage. It’s important to ensure that PPE is used consistently and fits properly to provide maximum protection Schedule regular breaks In addition to using PPE, maintenance professionals should be mindful of taking regular breaks from noisy environments. The constant barrage of high-decibel sounds takes a toll on the ears, and even short breaks can give the auditory system a chance to recover. Scheduling routine tasks to include quiet periods can significantly reduce the impact of noise exposure. Monitor noise levels Monitoring workplace noise levels is another critical step toward preventing hearing loss. Facility managers should regularly assess the noise levels of their work environments, using sound level meters to identify areas that exceed safe limits. If noise levels are consistently above 85 dB, facilities must take additional measures to reduce exposure. Examples include engineering controls to dampen sound or adjusting work schedules to limit the worker’s time in high-noise areas. Attend regular hearing assessments Another essential part of mitigating hearing loss risks is encouraging your staff to have routine hearing assessments by a qualified hearing care professional to establish a benchmark and monitor any changes. Hearing healthcare is not one-size-fits-all. Rather, a professional can listen to a worker’s specific concerns and recommend the right solutions for everyone’s unique needs. Every person’s hearing profile is different, shaped by factors such as the type and severity of hearing loss, lifestyle choices, work settings, and personal preferences. By taking the time to understand these elements through thorough conversations, hearing care providers ensure that they offer solutions that are not only designed to address the specific hearing issue, but also fit seamlessly into the individual’s daily routine. Whether it involves selecting the right hearing aid, fine-tuning settings for various environments (such as in the home versus at work), or providing advice on effective communication strategies, the goal is to offer a personalized approach. Early detection can help prevent further damage and allow for timely intervention. Online hearing tests can be useful self-assessment tools for those looking to check their hearing quickly and conveniently. Take preventative measures Taking the preventative actions detailed above protects workers from the physical and emotional toll of hearing loss and also ensures they can continue performing their jobs effectively. With the right

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Katie Koebel

Audiologist and Senior Manager of Audiology, HearingLife

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