HAVE YOU HEARD? THE DANGERS OF NOISE

Approximately 30 million workers face occupational exposure to noise levels that could damage hearing. 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 impair hearing before at least age 60. However, people who are exposed to noise and do not protect their hearing begin to lose 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 with 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 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.

Is there an easy way to tell if you might have a noise problem? 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, you probably were exposed to hazardous noise.

What Are Employers' Responsibilities?

Sound levels are measured in units called decibels (dB). To give you some examples, the rustle of leaves measures 10 decibels, normal conversation about 60 decibels; city traffic noise can reach 80 decibels. Sounds of less than 80 decibels, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss.

OSHA requires employers to accurately identify employees exposed to noise levels at or above 85 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 program.) To satisfy OSHA requirements, this program must include annual monitoring, audiometric (hearing) testing, hearing protectors, training and recordkeeping.

Noise Not the Only Risk Factor

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

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