Noise
When someone loses their hearing, it can be devastating for them and annoying for others around them. People with poor hearing are often left out of conversations and social activities. Hearing loss can also cause people to become less efficient at work and study.
Some early warning signs of hearing loss include:
ringing in the ears after a noisy activity;
having difficulty understanding what people say;
needing to turn the volume up to hear the radio or television when others appear to hear adequately; and
failing to hear background noises such as a ringing telephone or doorbell.
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If you are experiencing any of the warning signs of hearing loss, discuss ways to control and reduce your exposure to the noise with your supervisor and safety and health representative. |
As a general rule, if the noise around you forces you to raise your voice to make yourself heard a metre away, your hearing is at risk.
Noise levels are measured in decibels (or dB). The scale used to measure noise as it is heard by the human ear is dB(A).
Normal conversation is about 60 dB(A) to 65 dB(A). 85 dB(A) is the level at which you have to raise your voice, whilst at 90 dB(A) you will have to shout. Hearing loss may begin with continuous noise over 75 dB (A).
The table below is a guide to some typical noise levels.
Noise Sources |
|
Noise Level dB(A) (at operator’s ear) |
Heavy traffic |
|
80 |
Lawn mowing |
|
90 |
Angle grinder |
|
105 |
Chainsaw |
|
105 |
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Prolonged exposure to noise above the level of 85 dB(A) significantly damages hearing. This is the level at which noise control measures must be taken by employers.
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Every effort should be made to reduce the noise at the source. |
If noise cannot be reduced or removed at its source, and there is no other way to separate people from damaging noise exposure, personal protective hearing equipment must be worn.
It is the responsibility of your employer to provide the correct personal hearing protectors. Personal hearing protectors (earmuffs and earplugs) should be used as a temporary measure or as a last resort.
Hearing protectors should be regularly cleaned and maintained. Worn or damaged parts should be replaced and protectors kept near the area of noisy activity.
Headphones for radios and tape recorders do not provide good protection from noise.
People do not become "used" to noise. It only seems that way because of hearing loss.
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Lost hearing is gone forever. |
It is also important to be aware that exposure to noise outside of working hours can pose a hazard.
Noise in nightclubs and pubs as well as from personal sound systems, can exceed levels that would be acceptable in the workplace.
