Hearing in the Workplace
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Jun 21 2023 8:41AM
Hearing in the workplace: How to protect your ears and minimise hearing loss
Hearing is one of our most important senses, but it can also be one of the most vulnerable. Exposure to loud noise at work can damage the delicate cells in the inner ear and cause permanent hearing loss. This can affect not only your ability to communicate and enjoy life, but also your safety and well-being.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over 1 million employees in Great Britain are exposed to levels of noise that put their hearing at risk. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common occupational diseases, with an estimated 17,000 people suffering from deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions caused by excessive noise at work.
The good news is that NIHL is preventable. The law requires employers to take steps to control noise at work and protect their workers’ hearing. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set out the following duties for employers:
- Assess the noise levels and risks in the workplace.
- Reduce noise exposure by using engineering controls or changing work practices.
- Provide hearing protection to workers who are exposed to noise above a certain level or who request it.
- Mark hearing protection zones where the use of hearing protection is mandatory.
- Provide information, instruction and training to workers on noise hazards and how to protect their hearing.
- Carry out health surveillance (hearing checks) for workers who are exposed to high levels of noise or who are at risk for any reason.
Your employees also have a responsibility to protect their hearing and comply with the company's noise control policy. They should:
- Wear their hearing protection correctly and when required.
- Report any defects or problems with their hearing protection or noise control equipment.
- Follow their employer's instructions and guidance on noise hazards and prevention.
- Attend regular hearing tests and report any symptoms of hearing loss or tinnitus.
- Seek medical advice if they have any concerns about their hearing.
Hearing loss can have a significant impact on your quality of life, but it can be avoided by taking simple precautions. By following the HSE guidelines and best practices, you can ensure that your hearing is protected and preserved for years to come.
Types of hearing protection and their dB levels
There are different types of hearing protection devices available, such as ear plugs, ear muffs, ear defenders, ear caps and canal caps. They vary in their design, comfort, fit and performance. The most important factor to consider when choosing a hearing protection device is its noise reduction rating (NRR) or single nnumber rating (SNR). These ratings indicate how much noise the device can reduce in decibels (dB).
The general rule is that the higher the NRR or SNR, the more effective the device is at blocking out noise. However, this does not mean that you should always choose the highest-rated device. Over-protection can also be a problem, as it can make it difficult to communicate and hear warning signals. It can also make you feel isolated from your environment and increase the risk of accidents.
The HSE recommends that you select a protector that reduces the level at the ear to below 70 dB, but not much lower. This will ensure that you are adequately protected from noise without compromising your awareness and safety. The table below gives an indication of the protector factor that is likely to be suitable for different levels of noise:
| A-weighted noise level (dB) | Select a protector with SNR |
|---|---|
| 85 to 90 | 20 or less |
| 90 to 95 | 20 to 30 |
| 95 to 100 | 25 to 35 |
| 100 to 105 | 30 to 40 |
| 105 to 110 | 35 or more |
To calculate the effective noise level at the ear when wearing a protector, you can subtract the SNR value from the ambient noise level. For example, if you are exposed to a noise level of 95 dB and you wear a protector with an SNR of 25, then the level at your ear will be 95 - 25 = 70 dB.
You should also consider other factors when choosing a hearing protection device, such as:
- The fit and comfort of the device.
- The compatibility with other personal protective equipment (PPE).
- The suitability for the work environment and task.
- The hygiene and maintenance of the device.
- The availability and cost of the device.
You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use and care for your hearing protection device. You should also check it regularly for any signs of damage or wear and replace it when necessary.
Average noise levels of different industries
Noise levels can vary widely depending on the type of industry, work activity, equipment and environment. Some industries are known to have higher noise levels than others, such as construction, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, transport and entertainment. However, noise hazards can also be present in other sectors, such as health care, education, retail and office work.
The HSE provides some examples of typical noise levels for different industries and activities. These are only approximate values and may not reflect the actual noise levels in your workplace. You should always measure the noise levels in your workplace using a sound level meter or a personal noise dosimeter.
| Industry/Activity | Typical noise level (dB) |
|---|---|
| Construction | 80 to 120 |
| Manufacturing | 75 to 110 |
| Mining | 85 to 115 |
| Agriculture | 80 to 110 |
| Transport | 75 to 110 |
| Entertainment | 90 to 120 |
| Health care | 70 to 95 |
| Education | 65 to 95 |
| Retail | 65 to 90 |
| Office work | 60 to 85 |
You can also use the HSE’s noise exposure calculator to estimate your daily or weekly exposure to noise based on the noise levels and durations of different activities. This will help you determine if you are exposed to noise above the action values or limit values set by the Noise Regulations.
Remember that noise exposure is cumulative, meaning that it adds up over time. Even if you are exposed to moderate noise levels for long periods, you can still be at risk of hearing loss. Therefore, it is important to monitor your noise exposure and take appropriate measures to protect your hearing.
Sources:
HSE - Noise: Regulations
HSE - Noise: Hearing protection
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