Working in an industrial environment can cause a lot of damage to your hearing. You may not realize it, but according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA), over 30 million American workers are exposed to dangerous levels of noise each year. Over 125,000 workers have suffered from permanent hearing loss as a result of noise exposure. This is alarming to hear. Luckily, Singer Safety can help you with quality noise-control stoppers that can help prevent loud noise before they get worse. Keep reading to learn about the hidden dangers of noise exposure and how to keep healthy eardrums.
What is Dangerous Noise Exposure?
Noise exposure is typically measured in decibels (dB), and the duration and intensity of exposure play a crucial role in determining its impact on our hearing. Sounds that are above 85 dB can cause permanent damage. Even short bursts of extremely loud sounds can lead to hearing loss. Excessive noise levels over a long period of time will damage your hearing and may happen so gradually that you may not even notice it. Other associated effects are headaches, elevated blood pressure, fatigue, and irritability. Digestive disorders and increased susceptibility to colds are also common. It is very important to stay aware of the potential dangers in order to keep a healthy eardrum intact.
Hearing Loss
Extended exposure to loud noises can lead to permanent noise-induced hearing loss. The delicate structures of your inner ear can be damaged by excessive noise levels, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. Loud noise can damage cells and membranes in your cochlea. You can overwork your hair cells, which can cause the hair cells to diet. Harmful effects can happen if this occurs. This can impact your ability to communicate, enjoy live music, or even perform daily tasks.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is another danger of noise exposure that is hidden. This is a condition that is characterized by a persistent ringing, buzzing or humming sound in the ears. This phantom noise can be extremely disruptive and affect one’s quality of life. Some other complications that may happen are fatigue, stress, sleep problems, depression and headaches. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can increase the risk of developing tinnitus. This can impact your work and your family life, without you even realizing it.
Increased Stress Levels
Constant exposure to excessive noise can also lead to chronic stress. Studies have shown that noise pollution can trigger the release of stress hormones. When your body responds to stress, adrenaline tends to reduce blood flow to the ears. This in turn, affects hearing. The fragile hair cells in the inner ear rely on a constant flow of blood to receive the right amount of oxygen. When stress builds up, this can lead to immediate hearing loss. This can lead to things such as elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate. You might also see an increase in anxiety. This can all really impact your overall well-being.
How Can I Protect My Hearing?
There are many ways you can protect your hearing and prevent noise-induced hearing loss. The first and most obvious is to use hearing protection. When exposed to loud noises, it is so crucial to wear appropriate hearing protection. This can include earplugs or earmuffs. These protective devices can help reduce the intensity of sound reaching your ears, significantly minimizing the risk of hearing damage.
Next, it is important to limit your exposure time. Whenever possible, limit your exposure to loud noises. Take breaks from noisy environments, and try to spend time in quiet surroundings. Additionally, consider using noise-canceling headphones or earplugs in situations where you can’t control noise levels. This is especially important for places such as industrial warehouses, where loud noise is there all the time.
Maintain a safe distance from all loud sources of noise. This can also help reduce the risk of hearing damage. For example, when you attend concerts or sporting events, try to position yourself away from the speakers or amplifiers to minimize the impact of high sound volumes. If you’re really close to a speaker, try to take 30-minute breaks every two hours or so and go to a quieter area.
Be mindful of volume levels when using headphones or earphones. Listening to music or other audio at high volumes for long periods of time can be a hidden danger to your hearing. Follow the 60/60 rule. This suggests listening at no more than 60% volume for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time. Damage to the ears can happen very quickly, especially if you’re used to hearing these sounds over time. Take initiative and be very mindful of your sensitive ears. By following these simple rules, you can ensure that your hearing remains healthy.
Singer Safety’s Noise Control Systems
At Singer Safety, we have noise control systems that use the highest quality materials in order to provide the maximum amount of protection for your workers. We developed the original industrial noise partition in 1965. This provided an effective solution to the issues and safety concerns associated with excessive industrial noise. Our products continue to be recognized as leaders in the industry. They have become the nation’s best-known and best selling line of noise control panel systems, soundproof curtains, and industrial noise reduction panels. Our experts can help you determine which noise control products will work for you! Contact us today to purchase your own Sound Stopper Noise Control System.
Noise exposure is a hidden danger that can have long-lasting effects on our hearing health. By understanding the risks associated with excessive noise, we can take proactive steps to protect our hearing and prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Incorporating simple measures such as using hearing protection and limiting your exposure time can do wonders. Make sure to always be mindful of volume levels. This can go a long way in safeguarding your precious sense of hearing. Let’s prioritize our hearing health today and create a quieter, safer environment for ourselves and future generations. Healthy eardrums for the win!
