PREAMBLE

NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS

Many tools, equipment, and processes in the workplace generate high levels of noise that will have a negative effect on the hearing of the exposed workers. Short loud bursts of noise such as explosions or gun shots can damage our ears in a short time of being exposed. Less hazardous noise such as woodworking equipment, heavy equipment, and machinery can lead to damage over an extended amount of time being exposed to the noise.

It’s hard to believe that noise can cause permanent damage to your hearing – but it can. It’s important to protect yourself against noise hazards.

It is recognized now, that Hearing Loss has a dramatic impact in our economy bourne out by statistics.

The steps to eliminate the negative effects of hearing loss, economically and personally, is done through Disclosure of Hearing Loss, Workplace Accommodations and Managing Hearing Loss in the Workplace.

Hearing is precious to us. Once we diminish or lose our hearing we can never fully recover it. Both on the job and at home there are many sources of noise which can damage our hearing. These sounds can damage sensitive structures in the inner ear and cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Approximately 26 million Americans have some type of noise-induced hearing loss. According to the CDC, over 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work each year. Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common workplace injuries today in the United States.

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