Preventive Methods for Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss Industrialization has brought in favorable and profitable progress in the form of technological evolution and globalization. However, the other effect of industrialization is that most workforces in these industrialized countries suffer from occupational Noise-induced hearing loss. Considered as the most hazardous and permanent occupational disease common in industrialized countries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), suggests protection against the effects of noise exposure when sound levels exceed 85 decibels.
Occupational noise induced hearing loss is a highly preventable disease . Organizations in collaborations with the occupational safety administration professionals have introduced many hearing protection programs to end this hearing loss problems. These include: Reducing or eliminating noise at its source by identifying the high-level noise producing areas in the industrial units Providing the workforce with appropriate hearing protection devices in areas where noise levels cannot be changed. Educating the workforce on the hazards of long time exposure to high noise levels, and the benefits ear plugs and noise reduction ear muffs. Conduct regular hearing tests for the employees working in the high noise producing zones Rehabilitation of those workers who have suffered from occupational hearing loss. Working in a high noise decibel environment such as manufacturing units, aviation sectors, mining industries and construction sites requires the use of ear protection aids. Hearing protection aids not only protects the ear but also paves way for greater concentration and increased focus. Though providing the workforce with high noise protection hearing aids seems a straightforward solution, most of the employees do not use these ear hearing protection devices because of these being uncomfortable with lack of communication and situational awareness leading to greater risks. Hence, it becomes quite vital to have the right hearing protection device as per the situation.
Considering a few vital features will help the management in selecting the best hearing protection device for their workforce. These include, Lower overall attenuation - hearing protection devices that can adjust according to changes in background noise from intermittent, continuous to high impact Built-in communications systems – Noise reduction ear muffs that can incorporate protection along with communications capabilities wherein the users can communicate face to face irrespective of the distances via a two-way radio is great boon. In high noise environments Even the technology enabled electronic ear plugs, Bluetooth enabled cell phone or hands free communication with VOX activation can protect the ear hearing.
Enhances hearing for workers with hearing loss –Ear protection hearing aids which are manufactured to compensate for people with hearing loss while providing them protection. Situational awareness – Hearing protection devices with features to determine nature, distance and direction of all sounds, alarms, speech and vehicles and machinery will help the employees working in high noise levels to maintain situational awareness. With the availability of comfortable and effective protection devices, it is possible for employees working in high noise level surroundings to prevent any form of occupational noise induced hearing loss.