Do You Work in One of these Jobs? You Might Need a Hearing Test

Do you work in a job that exposes you to a lot of noise? While you might have gotten used to it by now, chances are that your ears have not. Working in a high-noise environment can cause serious, irreversible damage to your hearing. And if your noisy job involves shift work, then one 2019 Chinese study published in Hearing Research found that the risk of hearing loss was even higher. 

If you work in a high-noise environment, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your hearing. From construction workers to transportation workers, factory workers and even emergency responders, keep reading to explore some of the jobs that can cause a lot of damage to your ears and why a regular hearing test is so important. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the strategies you can put in place to protect your hearing on the job. 

Jobs That Can Cause a Higher Risk of Hearing Damage

• Construction: With the constant use of heavy machinery and power tools, those who work in the construction industry are at high risk for noise-induced hearing loss. 
• Manufacturing: Manufacturing plants are often very noisy environments, due to loud machinery and many staff working on shift at the same time.  
• Oil and Gas Industry: Those working in the oil and gas industry are often subject to loud drilling and extraction processes.
• Emergency Responders: Being exposed to loud sirens and other loud noises at the scene of an accident can be damaging to the hearing of emergency responders. And, since wearing ear defenders and other protective gear is generally not permitted in a job where you need to be ready to communicate with people at a moment’s notice, the risk can be even higher. 
• Airlines: Pilots, flight attendants, engineers and other people who work in the airline industry are often exposed to loud engine sounds and other noises in the cabin and cockpit. Once again, protective gear is not typically supplied or permitted so if you work in this industry, it’s crucial to be aware of the risk to your ears. 

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Hearing

If you work in one of the above jobs, or any job where you are exposed to high levels of noise throughout your working day, there are several things that you can do to keep your ears and hearing safe. Reducing the risk of hearing loss is crucial for people who work in these industries. 

Monitor Your Hearing

One of the most important things to do is monitor your hearing. The best way to do this is with a regular hearing test. Going regularly allows you to compare your hearing now to in the past and see if your job is doing any real damage. If you are concerned about your hearing, you can use an online screening test to see if you need to take further action. The one at this link — phonak.com/en-us/online-hearing-test — offers a simple online test that answers your hearing-related questions and suggests next steps to take.

Know Your Limit

It’s crucial to know the noise level at your work and be aware of when it may exceed the safe limits. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, noise exposure at work should not exceed 85 decibels for longer than eight hours. If this is the case with your workplace, you should be provided with ample hearing protection such as ear defenders. 

Wear Hearing Protection 

If you work in a job where hearing protection is not provided as standard, you can take your own steps to keep your ears safe. Noise-cancelling earplugs, for example, are discreet and easy to wear for many jobs. You can get options that allow you to hear people speaking to you, while blocking out loud background noise. If ear defenders are provided at your workplace, always wear them when it’s required or recommended that you do so. 

Take Regular Breaks

If you work in a very noisy environment, taking regular breaks from the noise can help. Doing so will rest your ears and prevent damage from prolonged exposure. It’s also important to give your ears some quiet time to recover at home after you finish a shift. 

Speak to Your Employer

If you believe that the noise levels in your workplace are unsafe, the first port of call should be to speak to your line manager. They will be able to advise on the next steps to take in reducing the risk and improving noise safety for all. 

While getting away from the noise at work might not be possible, it’s crucial to understand the impact it might be having on your hearing, and the steps you can take to prevent lasting damage if you work in one of these jobs.