Top Five Occupations Causing Hearing Loss
Is your job affecting your hearing? In studies done by Gerges (2016)2,3 and Packer (2016)9 the following five job categories are more prone to developing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss:
Start making a list of occupations exposed to high noise levels. E.g., Miners, Boilermakers, Grinders, Builders, Drivers etc. |
The number one noisiest job is that of the airport ground staff. Workers who direct jet engines in landing and take-off are subjected to 140dB(A) of sound in one go.
What do construction workers, airport ground personnel and orchestral musicians have in common with bartenders and dentists?
Their jobs are among the loudest in the world. The risk of hearing loss is high in these professions. It is important to remember that the louder the noise, the shorter the exposure should be. People who are exposed to permanent sound levels of 85dB(A) or more at work, must wear ear protection. The pain threshold is around 140dB(A).
Figure 2.2: Construction Workers1
It is important to remember that the test that is being conducted by an audiometrist is a screening test. Should a hearing problem be detected, the worker must be referred to the Occupational Health Nurse (OHNP), who will confirm and refer abnormalities to the Occupational Medicine Practitioner (OMP). The OHNP and/or OMP will refer to an audiologist or ENT specialist for further testing, assessment, and management.
Video 2.1: Video on the Myths and Facts of Hearing Loss
In recent years, the effect of noise in the workplace has been highlighted not only due to the resultant hearing loss but also the physiological and psychological effects of noise on the individual. Noise, therefore, needs to be controlled or mitigated wherever possible, to prevent the total effects of noise on the human body.
Figure 2.3: A Schematic Representation of Common Sound Measurements3
The possible effects of noise
Noise pollution is a profoundly serious issue with a wide range of consequences on health. It can affect the body in three ways, physical, physiological, and psychological. Most often industrial noise has a direct effect on a person’s physical health for example hearing loss and tinnitus6.
Physiological effects
Anything physiological has to do with the body and its systems. As an example, a physiological response to a scary movie may include the heart beating faster and hands getting sweaty. In vision physiological effects can include the following:
Increase in blood pressurePsychological effects
The word psychological is used to describe effects that are primarily mental or emotional . Psychological effects can include:
Distraction and annoyanceFigure 2.4: The Effects of Noise Pollution3
Occupational effects
The word occupational l is used to describe effects that are caused by work or the work environment.
Occupational effects:
Increase in accidents