Sound is produced as a result of an object vibrating. That vibration produces waves of energy which travel through air or water and into your ears. If those waves are too powerful, though, they can cause damage to the ear. Such loud noise can originate from workplace sirens, heavy machinery, generators, or combustion engines. Prolonged exposure to those noises can injure the delicate inner ear structures, causing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).
A study on workers in auto parts factories in Thailand confirms that noise exposure levels of greater than 85 decibels can increase the risk of damage to the ears. Aside from affecting your hearing, NIHL can lead to anxiety, depression, stress, and other nervous disorders.
Constant exposure to loud noises at work can lead to NIHL. The following are a few effective hearing protection tips to help prevent NIHL.
Constant exposure to loud noises at work can lead to NIHL. The following are a few effective hearing protection tips to help prevent NIHL.
You do not have to be a jackhammer operator or rock musician to experience noise-induced hearing loss. While regular exposure to noise at construction zones and concerts can cause hearing damage, more ordinary factory and warehouse environments with loud vehicles, heavy machinery etc. can also contribute to hearing loss.
Generally, regulations and unions require workers in noisy environments to have their hearing tested regularly. Even if your job does are not required you to have your hearing tested, make sure to protect your ears and avoid loud environments.
Avoid sticking anything into your ear canals, such as cotton swabs, bobby pins, and other devices to remove earwax. Not only can they damaging your hearing by injuring your eardrums, these objects can push wax and debris deeper into your ear canal, creating an uncomfortable buildup. Cotton swabs are fine for removing debris from the outer, visible portion of the ear, but are not intended to pushed into the canals.
Smoking isn’t just damaging to your lungs and heart, it can also damage cells throughout your body, including those inside your ears.
Some other tips that you can follow to protect your hearing at work:
If you believe you have hearing damage or any other hearing-related issues, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Hoffmann today to get your ears checked.
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