Manufacturing Hearing Loss Infographic - Summary:
Hearing loss is the #1 occupational illness in manufacturing. Both noise and ototoxic chemicals present hearing hazards to workers.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is caused by prolonged or repeated exposure to loud noise, or can be caused by a single traumatic dose of noise exposure. The former is much more likely, with machinery ranging from 90dBA for a milling machine, to 120dBA for an oxygen torch, to 113dBA for a jackhammer drill. Because NIHL is painless and progressive, actively keeping tabs on this critical worker health issue is essential. This includes fighting the popular worker myth that work is just a part of the job that can be adapted to. In fact, no - workers who feel this way are simply experiencing hearing loss.
In addition to NIHL, ototoxic chemicals present a threat to workers. What are ototoxic chemicals? These are substances that are poisonous to the ears. Many common industrial chemicals are ototoxic, some entering the body through both air passages and skin. These can often impact balance functions, not just hearing, and can affect a wide range of hearing frequencies.
Some known ototoxins include:
- Styrene
- Toluene
- Trichloroethylene
- Ethyl Benzene
- Lead/inorganic compounds
- Carbon Disulfide
- n-Hexane
- Xylene
- Carbon Monoxide
- Hydrogen Cyanide
Workers with damaged hearing pay a high cost. They can suffer from social isolation, decreased quality of life, increased accident risk, and reduced productivity. It's estimated that $242 million is spent annually on worker's compensation for hearing loss disability. And employers pay out $1.5 million annually in fees for not protecting workers from noise.
Workers' hearing can be protected through noise hazard assessment, ensuring workers are informed about the threat noise hazards present, instructing workers on proper use of ear plugs and/or ear muffs, and ensuring both fit and comfort are effective. Ensure respirators and hearing protection are both used in environments in which ototoxins are present.
This manufacturing workplace noise infographic comes from Honeywell Howard Leight, experts in hearing protection and conservation in the workplace.
Workplace Hearing Protection Solutions:
Protecting workers in the manufacturing industry from hearing loss both from NIHL and ototoxins is critical for good worker safety, protecting employees' quality of life, preventing worker's comp claims, and avoiding OSHA fees and penalties. In few other industries is hearing protection as critical.
Until next time, be safe and do the right thing.
Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore
