On the job, too much noise can distract you. You may not hear warnings. Noise damages the nerves in your inner ears. Those nerves cannot be repaired. You might not be able to understand what people are saying. If you are exposed to too much noise, you can lose your hearing—and possibly your life.
Richard’s Story
Richard worked on a 16-month road job, jackhammering concrete. The daily noise was so loud that he could not hear the people speak around him. Since the supervisor did not wear hearing protection, Richard did not think he needed to. After the job ended, he began to have ringing in his ears. He had his hearing tested and found that he had a partial hearing loss.
Remember This:
- Pay attention to noise levels where you work. The best way to know if you need hearing protection is to measure the sound levels (in decibels). If you don't have the tools to do this, the next best way is the shout test. If you have to shout to be heard when standing 3 feet (at arm's length) away from someone, then it's probably over 85 decibels and hearing protection should be worn.
- Find the most comfortable hearing protectors (earplugs or earmuffs) and make sure you wear them every time you are around loud noise.
- If you choose to wear disposable foam earplugs, make sure you insert them properly. If you are not sure how to, then ask your supervisor for training.
- Avoid inserting or removing earplugs if your hands are dirty to avoid an ear infection.
- Wear hearing protection and take breaks from loud noise.
- Look for signs that identify noise hazards.
- Ask your employer to consider purchasing quieter equipment in the future.
- If possible, move your work away from noise sources or move the noise sources away from your work area.
- Have your hearing tested as soon as possible to have a baseline measurement of your hearing. Have it re-checked during regular doctor visits to make sure you haven’t damaged your hearing.