How Can I Prevent Work Related Hearing Loss?

Do you wear ear protection at work?

Do you wear earplugs that are the right shape and size for your ears, so that they hermetically close your ear canal?

Do you wear earmuffs by adjusting them to tightly cover your entire outer ear?

Do you use new, quieter equipment and keep it well maintained and lubricated?

Have you enclose the source of the noise?

Have you set up a barrier between yourself and the source of the noise?

Have you increased the distance between you and the source of the noise?

Have you limited the time you spend in noisy areas?

Do you wear noise canceling earphones if you work in environments with loud background noise?

Do you regularly check the noise level at your workplace, making sure it is below 85dBA?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you prevent work related hearing loss. If you have to speak loudly to talk to someone standing near you, it is very likely that the noise in your workspace is at a dangerous level. In such cases, always wear hearing protection. If you use earplugs, make sure you insert them correctly, so that they seal the ear canal. You can also wear earmuffs that need to fit firmly over your entire outer ear. You should wear earplugs and earmuffs together if you are exposed to noise higher than 105 decibels (louder than a chainsaw).

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to prevent work related hearing loss. If possible, you should try to limit the time you spend in noisy areas, or at least increase the distance between you and the source of the noise. You can also try enclosing the source of the noise, or placing a barrier between yourself and the source. The equipment you use should be as quiet as possible, well maintained and lubricated. If you work in environments with loud background noise, be sure to wear noise-canceling earphones. You should regularly check the noise level, making sure it is below 85dBA.