Certain Work Places Pose A Higher Risk of Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss is More Common than You Think

The deaf and hard of hearing are under-represented in popular culture and the media so it is not surprising that many people are shocked to learn just how common disabling hearing loss really is. Though only less than three of every 1,000 babies in the United States is born with congenital hearing loss, studies estimate that around 13% of the total population over 18 years old lives with some degree of hearing loss. This percentage equals somewhere between 38-48 million Americans. That’s more common than diabetes and three times as common as cancer.

Hearing loss is not a binary. There are as many forms it may take as there are people who suffer from it. Over 6% of people aged 18-44; more than 13% of those aged 45-64; almost a third of all people 65-74 years old and half of all people over 75 live with it. and tragically, these same studies conclude that more than two-thirds of these people do not seek treatment.

Disabling hearing loss may mean that the volume at which one hears is reduced or it may mean that the sound is muddy. It is often a combination of both of these symptoms. These effects are the result of damage to either the ear drum or the microscopic hairs in our ears that beat against it to send signals to the brain to decode the source.

Of those born with congenital hearing loss, over 90% of them are born to hearing parents, so it is not commonly genetic. The overwhelming majority of deaf and hard of hearing people are the victims of some kind of trauma that damages the delicate mechanics of the ear. This may occasionally be the sudden result of some explosively loud sound, but more often than not it is the gradual result of proximity to dangerous volumes. This can be habitual bad habits for a recreational activity, such as loud concerts or roaring stadiums for sports events. Many earbuds and headphones reach dangerous decibel volumes and it is easy to fall into the habit of listening too loud. But the damage is often the consequence of obligated proximity to dangerous volumes at one’s place of employment.

Risky Workplaces

Examples of jobs that often include risks to one’s hearing include, but are not limited to construction, farmers, factory workers, landscapers, flight crews, ambulance drivers, and people who work in the entertainment and hospitality industries. Being aware of the potential consequences and taking the initiative to form good habits to prevent potential problems is of course the first step. unfortunately it is estimated that over 50% of the people that work in these industries do not do this.

The dangerous volumes become normalized by routine. If one’s job requires 40 hours a week at a loud club, of course that poses a threat. and it can be difficult to form good habits. The sound mixer needs to hear the signal without ear plugs. The waitstaff needs to lean in close to catch the orders of patrons shouting over loud music. But within other industries, in which the threatening decibel levels are constant, the risks might be more difficult to recognize. In industries such as construction or landscaping the sound is a side-effect, not the point, such as in the music industry. and one sees one’s coworkers spending hours every day working with loud machinery. It is simple to assume if prolonged proximity is safe for him, why should it pose a risk to me?

The damage accrues a little at a time, so it is likely impossible to recognize the difference one day to the next. The diminishing sense of hearing becomes normalized. Without the heightened drama of a singular traumatic event it becomes easy to not take action.

Prevention and its Benefits

But the benefits of taking preventative action cannot be overstated. Earplugs available at any local pharmacy reduce sound by 15-30 decibels. This is an immense difference that makes prolonged exposure to loud volumes relatively safe. Investing in fitted earplugs can make an even bigger difference. There is no excuse to take unnecessary risks. Wearing earplugs is simple and unobtrusive. The only hurdle is that of taking the intentional step to forming a new habit.

But when you consider the consequences of not doing so, the benefits are apparent. It will fundamentally increase your quality of life in the most basic ways. Hearing health connects you to the simple joys of life, your loved ones and favorite activities and environments experienced in greater clarity. Not to mention the inarguable findings that failing to do so will impact your finances. Over a 10 year period, those who scoffed off the damage incurred by hearing loss and thought they could just live with it made 50% more hospital visits and spent an average of $22,434 more on medical care not directly related to their hearing.

If you or someone you love works within one of these professions, make an appointment with one of our specialists today.