Top Five Occupations Causing Hearing Loss Copy

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:

Miners
Boilermakers and grinder operators
Builders
Drivers
Farmers
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 pressure
Nausea
Headaches

Earache
Changes in coordination and movement
Changes in vision – colour, visual fields, and form

Psychological effects

The word psychological is used to describe effects that are primarily mental or emotional . Psychological effects can include:

Distraction and annoyance
Isolation due to decreased ability to communicate and integrate
Increased stress
Mood changes
Dependency
Changes in self esteem
Problems with communication

Figure 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
Inability to hear instructions and safety warning signals
Difficulty in communication
Decreased productivity and motivation
High cost to the company due to compensation claims²