Preventing Hearing loss and Protection

While one may not be aware of it happening to them almost every minute of everyday hearing loss in the work place is becoming more and more prevalent than ever. This has to do in part with the advancement of technology and the creation of the iPod and mp3 players that allow users to listen to music and other recordings at high levels so close to the ear. Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses in the United States. Approximately 22 million U.S. workers exposed to hazardous noise levels at work. Four million workers go to work each day in damaging noise. Ten million people in the U.S. have a noise-related hearing loss. Twenty-two million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise each year. It is estimated that over 82% of the noise related hearing loss originates from the manufacturing sector. There are currently 2 main forms of hearing protection available to whomever needs it, they are ear plugs and ear muffs. Ear plugs are good for sounds slightly above 85 decibels due to the fact that they are not perfect at cancelling sounds but whenever sounds get above that it is recommended that one wears ear muffs. This is because ear muffs do a better job at cancelling the sound before it enters the ear drum. For the best protection possible one should pair both ear plugs and muffs to create the best seal possible around the eardrum to stop the damaging noise for ever happening. While one may over look hearing protection and damage because of how light the damage is at a time one should be made aware that prolonged exposure to loud noises and sounds can eventually lead to deafness in the person and when they grow older and totally deafness is possible if no protective hearing measures are taken.