Did you know that the dangers of noise are already present in your life – long before you enter a work environment where you can be surrounded by potentially harmful loud noise? More than 1 billion people as young as 12 years of age worldwide are currently at risk of hearing damage due to prolonged listening to music and other sounds in their free time.
What is even more frightening is that around 34 million children are born as newborns, with a hearing impairment or develop it shortly after birth. If left unsolved, this problem of hearing impairment has a negative impact on health and general well-being, as well as a huge financial cost. With a hearing impairment, there can be restrictions, even in working life.
"Noise-induced hearing loss" in the workplace
It is essential that our hearing is protected from noise in the workplace, unfortunately noise-induced hearing loss is a top recognized occupational disease. This disease develops largely without pain and unconsciously. Permanent noise at work is very stressful and can lead to a decrease in the ability to concentrate. That's why it's important to protect the ear from noise. Those affected know exactly how important it is to preserve their hearing and this must be a top priority.
What can those affected by noise do?
Be a good role model and advocate for better hearing protection guidelines. – Make regular audiograms to detect hearing loss as early as possible. – Make sure that loud noises only occur in moderation and only last for a short time – preferably with hearing protection.
Five solutions for prevention
- Monitor sound levels with state-of-the-art equipment. So you can be sure that everything is always under control
- Make sure your team has a quiet room and access to that separate room to reduce or prevent hearing damage in the first place
- Always make sure that the technical equipment you buy complies with the regulations. Avoid at all costs generating a sound level that measures more than 85db without optimal hearing protection
- Give your employees qualified training on the need for hearing protection so that the trained employees can provide advice and support to other people.
- Remember that it is important to wear hearing protection if the noise is too loud at work or at an event. This protects you and your hearing from potential damage.
On World Hearing Day, we would like to draw attention to the importance of hearing protection. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, we will advise you comprehensively on the topic.