How Employees Can Protect Their Hearing at Work

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that 22 million American workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels on the job each year. If left untreated, this can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, and other serious health issues. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who work in a noisy environment, it’s important to take steps to protect your hearing. We’ll discuss some tips for doing just that in this blog post.

1) Avoid loud noise whenever possible

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to avoid exposure to noise whenever possible. If you can’t avoid it, make sure to wear ear protection. There are a few ways to do this: 

• If you work in an office, try to keep your door closed when there are loud noises outside. 
• If you work in a factory or other noisy environment, wear earplugs or earmuffs. 
• If you’re going to be exposed to loud noise for an extended period of time, such as at a concert or nightclub, limit your exposure time and take breaks in a quiet area.
• Earplugs and earmuffs can be purchased at most hardware stores or online.

2) Turn down the volume

This is another obvious one, but it’s worth repeating. When you’re exposed to loud noise, turn down the volume. This goes for music, television, and anything else that emits sound. 

• If you’re using headphones, make sure they fit snugly over your ears and don’t let any outside noise in. 
• Turn the volume down on your music player or smartphone. Many people listen to music at a much higher volume than necessary. 
• When watching television, keep the volume at a moderate level. If people around you can hear what you’re watching, it’s too loud.

3) Get your hearing checked regularly

If you work in a noisy environment, it’s important to get your hearing checked on a regular basis. This can help you catch any early signs of hearing loss and take steps to prevent further damage. 

• Your doctor or an audiologist can perform a hearing test. 
• You can also get a free online hearing test from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). 
• If you think you might have hearing loss, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Early intervention is key to preventing further damage.

4) Take breaks from the noise

Whenever you can, take a break from the noise. This will give your ears a chance to rest and recover. 

• If you work in a noisy environment, try to take a few minutes of quiet time for yourself each day. 
• Turn off the television and music when you’re not using them. 
• Spend time in nature, where there are no man-made noises. 
• Make sure your home is as quiet as possible. If it’s not, consider making some changes, such as soundproofing your walls or investing in white noise machines.

5) Create awareness

Creating awareness is key to preventing hearing loss. The more people know about the dangers of noise, the more likely they are to take steps to protect their hearing. 

• Share this blog post with your friends and family. 
• Talk to your employer about ways to reduce noise in the workplace. 
• Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of hearing loss. 
• If you think someone you know might be experiencing hearing loss, don’t hesitate to reach out and offer help.

6)  Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Finally, try to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating well, getting enough exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. All of these things can impact your hearing health. 

• Quit smoking: Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage your ears over time. 
• Limit your alcohol intake: Excessive drinking can lead to hearing loss in both men and women. 
• Eat a balanced diet: Foods high in antioxidants (like fruits and vegetables) can help protect your ears from noise-induced damage. 
• Get active: Exercise is good for overall health and can help keep your hearing healthy. 

7)  Manage Stress

Stress can take a toll on your entire body, including your ears. So, try to manage stress in healthy ways. 

• Identify your triggers and find healthy ways to cope with them. 
• Exercise regularly. 
• Spend time with friends and family. 
• Talk to a therapist if you’re struggling to manage stress on your own.

By following these tips, you can help protect your hearing at work and in everyday life. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, so don’t wait to take action and call Two Rivers Hearing and this phone number: (321) 499-2488. The sooner you start working with hearing care professionals, the better off you’ll be.