7 Jobs That Cause Hearing Loss
Did you know that 1 in 8 Americans have difficulty hearing? Further, according to data from the CDC, about 25% of these cases of hearing loss are due to job-related noise.
While some jobs are noisier than others, it’s important to be aware of the most common jobs that cause hearing loss. This article by the Voorhies Law Firm shares 7 jobs that could put your hearing at risk and what to do if you’ve experienced hearing loss at work.
What To Know About Workplace-Related Hearing Loss
Of our five senses, hearing is something that we rely on to navigate daily life, and the prospect of suffering a loss or reduction in hearing can be a major concern, especially for workers in at-risk industries.
Even a slight loss in hearing can have a detrimental impact on one’s life because it can impact health, hinder social interactions, make employment more difficult, and even decrease one’s overall quality of life.
Though hearing loss may be prevented by taking precautions and detecting damage early, it can be frustrating if hearing loss has already occurred. For workers who have experienced compromised hearing as a result of their profession, it’s recommended to contact a hearing loss lawyer in New Orleans to explore your legal options.
Jobs That May Contribute to Hearing Loss
Almost no job is safe from hearing loss, but these jobs are often associated with hearing loss over time:
- Construction workers: Construction sites are inherently noisy, containing equipment that makes loud, deafening noises.
- Factory workers: Manufacturing equipment and other machinery can be loud and grating, leading to hearing loss.
- Firefighters: Those emergency sirens are loud, ranging from 110-120 dB, easily enough to cause hearing loss.
- Flight crew: Airplanes are surprisingly noisy, and the decibel levels of a plane at take-off can reach 130 decibels (dB). For reference, anything above 100 decibels can cause hearing loss.
- Nightclub staff: Associated with loud music and raucous behavior, nightclubs are noisy places to be. This environment can lead to hearing loss, especially after prolonged exposure.
- Farmers: Tractors and other machinery can be quite loud, putting this occupation near the top of the list of jobs that cause hearing loss.
- Dental technicians: Drills and other tools that dentists and their staff use can also harm the ears.
Tips To Prevent Hearing Loss at Work
Not every type of hearing loss is preventable. For example, one born with hearing loss at birth or hearing loss due to genetics can’t be addressed by taking precautions at the workplace.
However, other types of hearing loss can be prevented. These tips may help:
- Use hearing protection, including earplugs.
- Monitor noise levels and strive to stay within OSHA’s recommended 90 maximum decibels.
- Keep equipment well-maintained to reduce excess noise.
- Rotate employees across different tasks to minimize noise exposure.
- Educate and train employees about the importance of hearing protection and how to use equipment properly.
- Conduct regular hearing tests to monitor changes in hearing.
- Strictly enforce hearing protection policies in the workplace.
Legal Rights and Employer Responsibilities for Hearing Protection
Employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees. This includes protecting them from harmful noise levels. Depending on the employer and the type of job, different decibel levels may be considered reasonable. Consulting with a hearing loss attorney can help you better understand your rights and seek compensation through a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim if appropriate.
Contact an Experienced Attorney To Discuss Your Hearing Loss Claim
The Voorhies Law Firm has successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars in personal injury and insurance claims, including hearing loss claims. Whether you’ve experienced progressive or sudden hearing loss, your legal rights should be fully protected.Contact us to discuss your case and begin planning the next steps in filing a claim or personal injury lawsuit, call us at (504) 313-3083 for a free consultation.
