Audiologist Provides Tips for Protecting Hearing ‘For Life’

A worker is seen on the production floor at the Civmec Construction and Engineering facility in Perth, Australia, March 10, 2017. AAP Image/Dan Peled

An audiologist has advised Australians to prioritise their hearing health after a report found that one in 10 Aussies is impacted by workplace-related hearing loss.

According to data released by Hearing Australia in October, only one in four Aussies use hearing protection in noisy work environments or during leisure activities.

A quarter of those surveyed knew someone who has experienced workplace noise-related hearing damage, while Aussie women appeared to think less about protecting their hearing than men, the report found.

“Workers in noisy workplaces can live with the legacy of hearing loss long after they put down their tools,” Hearing Australia’s principal audiologist Karen Hirschausen told The Epoch Times.

“But if you understand the hazards of noise and how to practice good hearing health, you can protect your hearing for life.”

Photo of Karen Hirschausen, Hearing Australia’s principal audiologist. Courtesy of Hearing Australia

Industries at risk of exceeding Australia’s noise exposure standards include farming, mining, manufacturing, construction, and the Defence Force, Hirschausen said.

Additionally, those living in rural and regional Australia are more likely to have problems compared to their city counterparts, with occupational noise exposure as one of the biggest contributors.

Young farmers in particular are around seven times more likely to have hearing loss than the general population of the same age, she said.

“However, there are other industries, such as hospitality, entertainment, and retail, where you could also be exposed to loud noise,” she said.

The survey also found that one in four millennials were too embarrassed to wear earplugs or earmuffs in a loud environment like a concert.

The survey was conducted on more than 1,000 Aussies who answered questions on their experience with and avoidance of hearing damage.

Fatigue and Stress Linked to Workplace-Related Noise

A separate report (pdf) by National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), Hearing Australia’s research division, found that high levels of workplace-related noise are associated with stress, headaches, tinnitus, fatigue, and increased absenteeism, with further potential to cause increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

Sound below 75 decibels over 8 hours, or instant peak noise levels below 130 decibels, are unlikely to cause hearing loss.

However, the risk increases with progressively increasing levels. For reference, peak noise levels greater than 140 decibels usually occur with impact or explosive noise such as sledgehammering or a gunshot.

“Any exposure above this peak can cause almost instant damage to hearing,” the report states.

The NAL report also found that mitigating noise exposure was not a high priority for employers, employees, or regulators, which, according to a Safe Work Australia report (pdf), is due to small to medium-sized businesses having “insufficient knowledge” of the effects of loud noise on hearing and hearing loss on quality of life.

Hirschausen said that while Australia has “good regulations” on hearing protection provisions in noisy work environments, it is important that employers and workers take necessary steps to reduce workplace noise exposure.

“But we also need to think about the noise we are exposed to outside of work and protecting our hearing when undertaking noisy activities in our leisure time, such as mowing the lawn, using the whipper snipper, attending loud venues,” she said.

Hearing protection infographic showing statistics on Aussies' experience with, and avoiding, hearing damage. Courtesy of Hearing Australia

Solutions for Managing Hearing Health

Hirschausen recommends a range of noise control methods, such as limiting time spent in noisy environments, using quieter equipment, and ensuring appropriate hearing protection is worn.

“When it comes to wearing hearing protection, it’s important that people are using equipment that is comfortable and easy to use, clean and well maintained, compatible with other personal protective equipment, and fit for purpose,” she said.

Additionally, employers can access information from the Safe Work Australia website on how they can identify and assess exposure to noise and strategies to reduce risks.

“We also encourage people to use smartphone noise apps to track their own noise exposure. These apps can be a powerful tool for behavioural change, as you receive real-time feedback if a noise is too loud, so you can adjust your behaviour or the noise. It’s likely to drive greater awareness of sound levels in general,” she said.

Hirschausen also has recommendations for millennials, and those who attend loud noise environments such as concerts.

“In environments like concerts and nightclubs, the noise can get up to a level where it can be damaging to your hearing,” she said.

“So, we’d encourage those who like to regularly attend things like concerts, live bands, or nightclubs to think about things they can do to protect their hearing, such as having regular breaks, moving away from the speakers, and taking some earplugs with them.

“It’s important that people have regular hearing checks, and if they have any concerns, they should speak to their GP or see an audiologist. Taking action early is key to achieving better hearing health outcomes.”