Machinery at manufacturing facilities creates considerable noise, particularly when multiple machines are being used at the same time. This exposure to high levels of noise can lead to permanent hearing loss for employees who work in the area.
Occupational hearing loss is often gradual, so the worker may not notice it right away. In some cases, they think everything is fine until loved ones start to notice that they have to speak louder on the phone or that the television is turned up at a higher volume than what’s normal. Some employees may also notice tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing in their ears.
Hearing loss in manufacturing is preventable
On-the-job hearing loss is preventable, so employers must provide adequate hearing protection for any employee who’s exposed to noise that’s 85 decibels or higher regularly.
Preventing hearing loss starts with measuring noise levels and keeping track of hazardous areas. Employers can use a variety of measures, such as barriers, quieter machinery, or hearing protection programs, to ensure that hearing conservation is a priority within the company.
Hearing loss affects more than just communication
Many people think that the difficulty communicating is the primary effect of hearing loss. For individuals who continue to work, there’s another issue that comes into the picture. It creates safety concerns because the worker may not be able to hear alarms or warning signals. They may miss notifications during the manufacturing process. Those can lead to them or their co-workers being involved in events that lead to injuries.
By the time a worker notices the work-related hearing loss, it’s usually progressed significantly. Getting the medical care they need can be costly, particularly if they need hearing aids. Workers’ compensation should cover these costs, and other benefits might also be possible.
