Have You Heard? The Dangers of Noise

 Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the greatest occupational health threats in the United States — a silent threat that can go unnoticed because it develops over time, there are no visible effects and except in very rare cases, there is no pain. Approximately 30 million workers face occupational exposure to noise levels that could damage their hearing. Noise isn’t the only source of occupational hearing loss, however. Occupational exposure to chemicals and metals puts an additional 9 million at risk. At present exposure limits, one in four will develop a permanent hearing loss as a result of their occupational exposure to these hazards.

Occupational vs. Age-Related Hearing Loss

Workers’ compensation will pay claims for loss of hearing, if it is caused or likely caused in the course of work. When faced with a hearing loss claim, employers might question whether workplace exposure, or just old age, caused the hearing loss. It’s true that most people’s hearing gets worse as they get older. But for the average person, aging does not cause impaired hearing before at least age 60. People who are not exposed to noise and are otherwise healthy keep their hearing for many years.

People who are exposed to noise and do not protect their hearing begin to lose their hearing at an early age. For example, by age 25, the average carpenter has the same hearing as someone who is 50 years old and has worked in a quiet job. Of the 28 million Americans who have some degree of hearing loss, about one-third can attribute their hearing loss, at least in part, to noise.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) results when loud noise damages the nerve cells of the inner ear. NIHL can occur with a single exposure to an extremely loud noise, such as an explosion, or with repeated exposure to sounds at various volumes over an extended period of time. NIHL is 100 percent preventable, but once acquired, hearing loss is permanent and irreversible.

Sound levels are measured in units called decibels (dB). To give you some comparisons, the rustle of leaves measures 10 decibels; normal conversation about 60 decibels; and city traffic noise can reach 80 decibels. Sounds of less than 80 decibels, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss.
Is there an easy way to tell if you might have a noise problem?

There are two rules: First, if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone who is an arm’s length away, then the noise is likely to be hazardous. Second, if your ears are ringing or sounds seem dull or flat after leaving a noisy place, then you probably were exposed to hazardous noise.

What Are Employers’ Responsibilities?

OSHA requires employers to accurately identify employees exposed to noise levels at or above 85 decibels (dB) averaged over eight working hours. You do this by testing and mapping noise levels. The employer must notify each employee who is exposed at or above the action level of the results of the monitoring.

Employers that have any workers whose noise exposure meets or exceeds these levels must develop a hearing conservation program for them. (Employers whose workers do not meet this threshold can develop a voluntary hearing conservation.) To satisfy OSHA requirements, this program must include annual monitoring, audiometric (hearing) testing, hearing protectors, training and recordkeeping.

Noise Not the Only Risk Factor

As we said earlier, exposures to chemicals and other substances can also cause hearing loss. Combined exposures to noise and chemicals can cause more hearing loss than exposure to either agent alone. Vibration and extreme heat are also potentially harmful to hearing when combined with noise.

Some of the more common substances associated with hearing loss are:

Tobacco
Toluene — found in paints, thinners, rubbers and printing operations
Styrene — found in plastics, rubbers, resins, insulating materials
Carbon disulfide — found in the textile industry and insecticides
Trichloroethylene — a solvent for cleaning metal parts
Xylene — found in the paint and lacquer industry
Lead, arsenic, mercury
Carbon monoxide — occurs as a byproduct of combustion

Workers exposed to any of these substances face a higher risk of occupational hearing loss than their exposure to noise alone would create. Employers whose workers contact these substances will likely want to implement a hearing conservation program, whether or not noise levels require one.

For more information or help, contact the Insurance professionals of EPIC’s CRA ProRental™ Insurance Program. Call us at: 800.234.6363.