PROTECT YOUR HEARING. IT’S NEVER TOO LATE.

Hearing Is Often Taken For Granted Until People realise they’ve lost a part of it.

Loud noises can be very damaging to your ear. Sounds are measured in decibels, and those exceeding 85 decibels can hurt your ears — permanently. Common sources of loud noise include lawn mowers (106 decibels), fireworks (150 decibels) and rock concerts (120 decibels). Approximately 15 percent of adults 18 years of age or older report some trouble hearing, and the risk rises as we age. Up to 39 percent of adults in their sixties have trouble hearing. The good news is that taking action early may save you from hearing loss later in life. The Australian Hearing Hub recommends using headphones for no more than 90 minutes a day, and the volume should never go beyond 80 per cent. One in six Australians will experience some degree of hearing loss in their lives. That’s expected to rise to one in four by 2050.

How loud is loud?

• whispering – 30dB 
• conversation – 60dB 
• busy traffic – 70 to 85dB 
• motorbike – 90dB 
• listening to music on full volume through headphones – 100 to 110dB 
• plane taking off – 120dB

Causes

Once hearing is damaged, it often can’t be restored. Some of the many causes of hearing damage include:

• noise – The sensitive tiny hairs in the cochlea located within the inner ear can be damaged by excessive noise. A one-time exposure to extreme loud sound or listening to loud sounds for a long time can cause hearing loss.
• medications – some medications and chemicals can damage your hearing
• disease – some diseases, such as meningitis and mumps can cause loss of hearing
• injury – including perforation of the ear drum, fractured skull or large changes in air pressure can affect the ears

 

 

The Work Health and Safety(WHS) has determined safe noise levels and has made recommendations that specific ear protection devices should be worn above sound levels of 85dB. There is a statistical evidence that between 28–32% of the Australian workforce is likely to work in an environment where they are exposed to loud noise at work. Noise-related injuries are most common in the construction and manufacturing industries with trade workers and technicians, labourers and machine operators most exposed. Work-related noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable but irreversible condition that affects many hardworking Australian workers.

Causes of Hearing Loss at Workplace

Hard work and loud noise are the daily routine of a construction worker. As many as 95 percent of construction employees are exposed to high levels of noise on a daily basis while operating power tools, machinery or loud equipment. The concerning problem is we have not been able to replace our existing loud machines with silent ones, so many are obligated to work under loud noise. You might think that just working some hours a day cannot be harmful. If you think your ears can just get used to the noise, think again.

The main causes of Hearing Loss at a Workplace are a lack of hearing protection required by law, lack of noise controls on equipment or the loudness and consistency of sound within the construction site area.

It is unacceptable for our hard-working Australians to get health problems just working for their living. Needless to say, the health and wellbeing of employees should be taken into consideration and effective measures should be implemented to uplift their quality of life.

What can you do?

Too much noise at work can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss or tinnitus—ringing in the ears. Hearing damage can occur from extended exposure to noise or exposure to very loud impact or explosive sounds. We need to start protecting our ear, before it’s too late.

 

Hearing Protectors

Some noise protection that can be used are:

1. Foam Earplugs: They are cheap. But they can irritate the ear and are single-use only.

2. Wax balls: These seal off the hearing completely. Single-use only and slightly more expensive than Foam Earplugs.

3. Earmuffs: Available in various models. Covers the ear completely, keeps you warm and serves multiple purpose.

One of the main advantages of earmuffs is that they are easy to fit. This is suitable for work in construction and landscaping work. This is important where workers may not be able to always properly fit ear plugs.

 

In cooler climates, earmuffs are often more comfortable for workers for wear hearing protection for long periods of time. However, in warmer climates, you may find that ear plugs are more comfortable, as earmuffs can be warm and humid.

Some major benefits of Earmuffs are:

1. Earmuffs can make your work easier, safer and enjoyable. 
2. They can be simply put over the head, provide a consistent and reliable fit
3. Prevent hearing loss and damage more effectively. 
4. They are cheaper in the long run.

 

Bluetooth Earmuffs 

The Bullant Bluetooth earmuffs available in various models are excellent earmuffs featuring Bluetooth connectivity while protecting your ears at the same time enjoying your favourite music. You can stream your own music and can answer your incoming calls by a simple touch on the “Answer Button” as well as they have a built AM/FM tuner. Furthermore they have external audio aux input for non-Bluetooth audio devices.  

So, if you like to stay safe, while listening to talk radio, sporting events and music while you are performing your duties the Bluetooth earmuffs shall get the work completed. It is recommendable purchasing your own set. 

 

Employers and their staff

As an employer or business owner you have a primary duty of care for your staff and you are responsible for work health and safety in the workplace. As an employer you have the responsibility for the health and safety of everyone in your workplace.

Safe Work NSW’s regulations require appropriate protection against hearing loss and the penalties for non-compliance are a lot more expensive than investing in the hearing health of your work force. This one is a no brainer.  If employees feel valued and safe at work, then the quality of life for the employees increase along with productivity.

 

Employees health and safety should not be compromised. The use of hearing protectors is vital for industries including but not limited to Construction and manufacturing. I recommend employees and employers take care of their ears, treat hearing loss seriously and use some form of protection before it’s too late.