OCC/Physical Health/TBT-OCC-004

Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Occupational Health › Physical Health › Noise Induced Hearing Loss

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Noise induced hearing loss is permanent, irreversible damage to the inner ear caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set daily exposure action values at 80 dB(A) and limit values at 85 dB(A).
At 85 dB(A) or above, employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones must be established.
Common noise sources on construction sites include breakers, disc cutters, piling rigs, compressors, and power tools.
Hearing damage is cumulative and painless — you do not feel it happening until permanent loss has already occurred.
Tinnitus, a permanent ringing or buzzing in the ears, is a common early sign of noise-induced hearing damage.
Hearing protection must be selected for the specific noise level — too little protection is dangerous, too much prevents communication.
Foam ear plugs must be inserted correctly by rolling, inserting, and holding until expanded to achieve their rated protection.
Employers must provide audiometry testing for workers regularly exposed above the action values to detect early hearing changes.
Noise exposure can be reduced by using quieter tools, limiting exposure time, rotating tasks, and maintaining equipment properly.

Permanent and irreversible	Once hearing is damaged by noise, it never recovers — the loss is with you for the rest of your life.
Painless progression	You cannot feel hearing damage occurring — by the time you notice difficulty hearing conversation, significant loss has already happened.
Legal limits	The Noise Regulations 2005 set clear limits — employers must act at 80 dB(A) and hearing protection becomes mandatory at 85 dB(A).

Don't

Wear hearing protection in all designated hearing protection zones on site.
Insert foam ear plugs correctly: roll, insert, and hold until fully expanded.
Use quieter tools and equipment where a suitable low-noise alternative exists.
Follow exposure time limits and rotate tasks to reduce your daily noise dose.
Attend audiometry testing appointments to detect any early changes in your hearing.
Report any tinnitus, muffled hearing, or difficulty with conversations to your supervisor.
Ensure hearing protection is rated appropriately for the noise level of your task.
Maintain tools and equipment properly — worn bearings and blunt blades increase noise.
Keep spare ear plugs in your pocket or toolbag for unexpected noise exposure.
Know which tools and tasks on your site exceed the 85 dB(A) exposure limit.

DON'T enter hearing protection zones without wearing the correct ear protection.
DON'T push foam plugs in without rolling them first — unrolled plugs provide little protection.
DON'T use loud tools when quieter alternatives could achieve the same result.
DON'T exceed your daily noise exposure limit — rotate to quieter tasks when reached.
DON'T skip audiometry appointments — early detection is the only way to catch damage.
DON'T ignore ringing ears or muffled hearing — they are signs of noise damage occurring.
DON'T use hearing protection that blocks too much sound — you must hear warnings and speech.
DON'T use poorly maintained tools — excessive vibration and noise go hand in hand.
DON'T assume you will not be affected — noise damages every ear exposed to it.
DON'T remove hearing protection briefly in noisy areas — even short exposure causes harm.

See also: Occupational Health Awareness | Noise Exposure Assessment

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