Occupational Hearing Loss: These 5 Statistics Will Blow Your Mind
If the earbuds cranked up to the highest level won’t hurt your hearing, there’s a chance your occupation could. Several occupations contribute to hearing loss, and according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSHA), more than 20 million American workers suffer from occupational hearing loss annually.
The hearing loss can be attributed to high levels of noise and ototoxic chemicals. Spreading awareness about hearing loss and workplace protection can help reduce hearing loss statistics.
Employers should provide their employees with properly fitting protective gear, including ear protection that protects from loud noises and from toxic chemicals. Employers need to train their workers so they wear their gear correctly and during the appropriate times while at work.
If you are worried about hearing loss, visit your local hearing aid company for a hearing test and hearing aids, especially if you can relate to any of these five occupational hearing loss statistics.
1. Occupational exposures account for 25% of hearing loss
Occupational exposure accounts for about one-fourth of all hearing loss problems. The problems tend to arise due to excessive noise levels or contact with harmful chemicals. You can protect yourself by wearing professional-grade ear protection.
2. Workplace hearing loss can turn into permanent hearing loss
Statistics show that about 20,000 people who have issues with hearing loss at work often end up with permanent hearing loss. To prevent hearing loss, employers should outfit their employees with hearing protection. If employers don’t provide protective ear covers, you should do yourself a favor and purchase your own protection.
3. About 1/3rd of works who need ear protection don’t wear it
Workplace statistics show that about 34% of workers who should wear ear protection work without it. The reasons vary. In some cases, employers do not give workers protective equipment; in other cases, employees choose not to wear it.
Employers should always provide employees with necessary protective gear. Employees need proper training so they know how to wear the gear, and why they should wear it. Wearing protective ear wear will help employees maintain their hearing.
4. In industries with loud noises, hearing loss has decreased by almost 50%
In the last 25 years, the federal government has recorded a significant loss in work-related hearing loss. While many employees are not wearing ear protection, more are, and hearing loss statistics are improving. The improved statistics come from more awareness about hearing loss, and employers outfitting their employees with necessary protective ear wear.
5. Industries with heavy equipment have the most hearing loss
Industries with large machinery have the most hearing loss. Statistics show that industries like mining, construction, and manufacturing have the most hearing loss. Workers are exposed to loud noises and often in enclosed spaces where the noises are concentrated.
Workers in these industries need a variety of personal protective equipment like ear protection, gloves, and steel-toed shoes. They must wear their ear protection when they are near heavy equipment with loud engines and other moving parts.
My name is Wojtek and I am very happy that you came to my healthy lifestyle blog. In human life, health is probably the most important factor needed for happiness, so I thought I will make a contribution to this and try to promote healthy eating and sport.
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