Not all jobs are created equal. Some of us are exposed to various loud noises or continuous noise throughout the day. In fact, the Center for Disease Control estimates that about 22 million workers are exposed to dangerous noise at work each year. If you've developed hearing loss symptoms due to exposure to noise at work, it is considered an occupational hearing loss. To protect against experiencing this hearing condition, it's best to take some necessary safety measures while at work.

Taking Breaks From Noises

One of the best ways to help reduce your risk of developing occupational hearing loss is to take consistent breaks from noises at work. It's recommended that you take breaks every 30 minutes to allow your ears to switch to a quieter environment. This is typically best for work environments where you're dealing with constant noise. Just because the noise isn't considered loud on the decibel scale, that doesn't mean that an extended period of exposure won't lead to potential hearing loss over time.

Noise-Canceling Headpieces

To protect your hearing from any loud noises, an absolute must is to wear noise-canceling headpieces. While traditional disposable earplugs are great for stopping high decibel sounds, they don't provide the same flexibility as noise-canceling headphones. With noise-canceling headphones, you can turn down the volume and block out specific external sounds whenever you need to. This drastically eliminates the need to constantly take your headphones on and off throughout the workday. It's important to know that these headphones will only work if you wear them correctly.

Regular Hearing Assessments

If you work in an environment with a lot of noise, it's best to have your hearing assessed at least once a year. This holds especially true if you're starting to notice that you have difficulty hearing certain things. By catching gradual hearing loss early on, you can adjust your workplace practices to prevent any future damage.

Work at a Distance When Possible

An excellent strategy for reducing noise levels is simply moving further away from the object. By putting space between you and the loud noise, you can reduce its effect on your hearing. Additionally, even placing a barrier between you and a piece of equipment can significantly reduce the sound waves that make it to your ears and can potentially cause damage.

Call Us Today

If you are experiencing hearing loss due to constant noise exposure at work, it's time to give our local Beltone Dallas Fort Worth office a call today. Let our licensed and experienced hearing specialists evaluate your hearing and provide you with viable treatment options. The sooner you seek treatment, the less of an impact hearing loss will have on your life.