If you’ve ever worked on a construction site, in a factory, or any other industrial environment, you’re familiar with the constant or roar of machinery. At first, the noise might be jarring, but after a few days, you “get used to it,” right?
The truth is, your body doesn’t. That persistent noise can do more than just annoy you—it can cause long-term damage to your hearing. Even when you think everything seems fine, the effects of excessive noise levels can silently get worse, leaving lasting harm.
Fortunately, with a few preventative measures, you can protect yourself and your team from the harmful effects of hearing loss, as well as the risks that being unable to hear on a job site might raise.
Definition of loud environments
“Loud” may be subjective, but standards for noise do exist. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), and anything above 85 dB is generally considered harmful to a person’s hearing with prolonged exposure.
What does 85 dB sound like? Let’s get some perspective:
- Heavy traffic (with windows down) – Approximately 85-90 dB
- Industrial machinery (e.g., turbines or presses) – Often exceeding 90 dB
- Chainsaws or jackhammers – Around 100-110 dB
The louder the noise, the less time it takes to cause damage. A one-time exposure to extremely loud noises—like an engine backfire or explosion—can cause immediate hearing damage. However, even moderate noise levels that hover around 85-90 dB can harm your ears over time, especially if you’re exposed to them every day. If a typical conversation seems drowned out in your noisy work environment or if you find yourself shouting just to be heard, you probably have an objectively loud work environment that may be damaging to your hearing over time.
Symptoms of loud work environments
Most people don’t walk around with a decibel meter in their belt. So to get an idea if your work might be loud, consider these indicators:
- You need to raise your voice to speak to someone standing nearby
- You experience ringing or buzzing in your ears after your shift (also known as tinnitus)
- Sounds are muffled or faded for an hour or more after leaving the worksite
- You feel tired or irritable from prolonged exposure to sound
These symptoms are early indicators of loud noise exposure and/or temporary hearing loss. If unchecked, they could progress to permanent hearing loss or other complications over time.
Risks of loud environments
The risks of ignoring excessive noise levels go beyond hearing damage. Here’s what prolonged exposure to high-decibel environments can lead to:
- Hearing loss - Continuous exposure to loud noise can slowly damage the delicate hair cells in your inner ear, leading to irreversible hearing loss.
- Tinnitus - This persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears can range from mildly annoying to severely disruptive, impacting sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life.
- Difficult communication - When machinery noise drowns out voices, clear communication among workers becomes difficult. This can lead to misunderstandings and missed instructions, making tasks less efficient.
- Higher Risk of Accidents - Audio cues—like warning alarms or shouting—play a critical role in workplace safety. Excessive noise can mask these sounds, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries.
- Stress and fatigue - Prolonged exposure to loud environments can lead to physical and mental fatigue, making it harder to stay focused and alert during your shifts.
Simple hearing loss prevention tips at work
Preventing hearing loss doesn’t have to involve complicated, company-wide changes. Here are a few effective steps you can take today to protect your ears on the job.
1. Wear ear protection
Invest in high-quality protective equipment like earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs. (You can even ask if your supervisor has a fund from which to reimburse you for some or all of the cost.) Earplugs are lightweight and discreet, while ear muffs offer maximum protection for extremely loud environments.
2. Limit exposure to noise
Whenever possible, take breaks away from the noise of your workplace. Even short breaks can give your ears relief from the strain that leads to hearing loss.
3. Use radios for communication
Replace shouting across noisy areas with radios or other devices. Not only will this reduce vocal strain, but also ensure clear messages in chaotic environments.
4. Maintain equipment
Well-maintained machinery tends to run quieter. Ensure regular maintenance to prevent unnecessary noise caused by unlubricated or outdated equipment.
5. Monitor volume levels
Use a decibel meter app or device to monitor sound levels in your workplace. Regularly assessing noise levels helps determine when protective measures are needed for workers.
6. Advocate for comprehensive workplace safety
Raise awareness about noise levels at your workplace. Collaborate with your employer or team to implement soundproofing solutions or designated quiet areas.
Support total workplace safety with Work-Fit
Protecting yourself from noise exposure is just one part of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Preventing hearing loss at work requires more than just buying earplugs—it’s about creating a culture of safety that prioritizes the well-being of every worker.
At Work-Fit, we provide on-site support for the whole health of your workforce. Our team of industrial athletic trainers and safety experts is ready to help you identify risks, implement solutions, and foster a safe and efficient work environment. Call our team or email us directly to find out how you can reduce injury downtime and make your workplace benefits stand out among the competition.
