Protecting hearing in the noisiest jobs

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common yet preventable occupational diseases.

More than 1.1 million Australians are estimated to be exposed to hazardous noise in their workplace, with construction workers, airport ground staff, farmers and miners working in some of the noisiest jobs.

In 2020–2021, 98% of accepted workers compensation claims for deafness were attributed to long-term noise exposure. The majority of compensation claims for occupational noise-induced hearing loss come from males aged 55–59 years, according to Safe Work Australia statistics.

“However, there’s likely many more workers who have noise-induced hearing loss, but they don’t realise it until it’s too late. On average, it takes 10 years for people to seek help,” said Karen Hirschausen, Principal Audiologist at Hearing Australia.

“Early detection can help prevent further damage. It’s crucial to identify occupational noise-induced hearing loss as soon as possible and then take steps to reduce your noise exposure and prevent it from worsening. Hearing loss can have devastating effects on a person’s wellbeing, contributing to mental health issues. It also has significant financial costs, with one study suggesting the total loss due to occupational noise-induced hearing loss was estimated to reach AU$29.7 billion.”

Those most at risk are often younger men with trade qualifications, and those living in rural or remote Australia.

According to the Making a Noise About Hearing report 2020 produced by NAL (National Acoustic Laboratories), Hearing Australia’s research division, those living in rural and regional Australia are more likely to have hearing problems compared with those living in cities, with occupational noise exposure one of the biggest contributors.

The NAL report also reveals that hearing loss among farmers and agricultural workers is widespread, with statistics indicating that 65% of farmers aged between 15 and 75+ experience some degree of hearing loss.

“Compared to the general population, young farmers are around seven times more likely to have hearing loss than the general population of the same age. Almost 50% of farmers report tinnitus,” Hirschausen said.

To help raise awareness of occupational noise-induced hearing loss, Hearing Australia has released a suite of resources called ‘The Prevention Toolkit’. The toolkit includes factsheets, posters, infographics and social media content.

“Noise-induced hearing loss is avoidable, and more needs to be done to protect workers in high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing and agriculture. No one should lose their hearing because of their job,” said Kim Terrell, Managing Director at Hearing Australia.

10 top tips for hearing protection while on the job:

1. Purchase equipment which generates lower levels of noise emissions.
2. Always wear appropriate hearing protection such as earmuffs or earplugs — especially in noisy environments.
3. Ensure noise reduction aids, such as mufflers, which are used on equipment or tools, are in working order; and report any faults to managers/employers.
4. Limit the time spent in noisy environments and take regular breaks in quiet spaces.
5. Use barriers or screens to block the direct path of sound.
6. Use remote controls to operate noisy equipment from a distance.
7. Participate in training programs about hearing protection and workplace safety.
8. Become familiar with safety guidelines and procedures.
9. Report any hearing-related issues or discomfort immediately to a supervisor, safety officer or HR team.
10. Get hearing checked regularly, and if any changes are noticed, see a doctor or an audiologist.

Image credit: iStock.com/LeslieLauren