Every day, 22 million workers1 across the U.S. face the threat of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). From construction workers to musicians, many professions expose people to unsafe noise levels on a regular basis.
In this article, we list careers that are at the highest risk for noise-induced hearing loss, as well as key OSHA workplace regulations put in place to combat this pervasive issue.
What Causes Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)?
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a form of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) that occurs when loud sounds damage the inner ear. Our inner ear contains tiny sensory hair cells that are crucial for processing sound. Prolonged and/or repeated exposure to hazardous noise levels puts excessive stress on these hair cells resulting in irreversible damage and permanent hearing loss.
The higher the sound volume and the longer the duration of exposure, the greater damage it will cause. For example, any sound at or above 70 decibels (dB) can cause hearing damage in less than 8 hours of exposure, while extremely loud sounds at 120+ dB can cause instant hearing damage.
Noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable condition that can have a profound impact on quality of life. Unfortunately, NIHL is also one of the most common work-related injuries2.
Industries Most at Risk of Occupational Hearing Loss
Our daily lives are filled with noise, and anyone, regardless of age or occupation, is at risk of developing NIHL. However, approximately 24% of all hearing loss in the United States is caused by exposure to loud sounds in the workplace2. That means almost 1 in 4 people with hearing damage have occupational hearing loss.
Certain industries put workers at a significantly higher risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss, which we list below:
Mining
Mining is one of the loudest industries to work in. Heavy machinery, drilling, and other loud noises are even more hazardous when in a confined environment such as a mine. According to OSHA, 25% of miners are exposed to a daily sound level above 90 dBA, which is beyond the permissible limit6. Data gathered by NIOSH found that at age 50, 45% of metal/nonmetal miners and 90% of coal miners have some degree of hearing loss.
The CDC emphasizes a critical need for worker education and proper hearing conservation programs in this industry to prevent NIHL.
Construction Workers
According to the CDC, approximately 14% of all construction workers experience occupational hearing loss3. Below, we list some average construction equipment noise levels (50 ft from source) according to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission4:
- Pile Driver (Impact): 101 dB
- Rock Drill: 98 dB
- Front Loaders: 96 dB
- Cranes: 94 dB
- Jack Hammer: 88 dB
- Concrete Mixer: 85 dB
- Excavator: 85 dB
Unfortunately, only an estimated 48% of construction workers wear hearing protection3, despite the high risk of NIHL. This risk can significantly decrease with awareness and proper hearing protection strategies.
Entertainment and Hospitality
Professional performers, athletes, dancers, and musicians are exposed to dangerously loud environments for prolonged periods of time. This risk also extends to the people who work at entertainment establishments like food vendors, waitresses, bartenders, security staff, etc.
In-ear monitors (IEMs) are highly recommended for performers and staff who are exposed to these sounds regularly. These electronic earplugs reduce harmful noise levels, while still allowing you to hear important sounds at a safe volume.
Law Enforcement and Military
According to the CDC, 8-15% of all Services workers (10% overall) have hearing difficulty 5. This includes law enforcement officers, military personnel, first responders, and more.
Loud and sudden sounds like gunfire, explosions, and sirens, exceed safe decibel levels, sometimes reaching over 120+ dB, which can cause immediate hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to environmental noise, like from vehicles, machinery, and equipment, also adds to the risk. Additionally, situations in these fields often require rapid response, where hearing protection can be easily forgotten.
The impact of hearing damage can be especially dangerous in these professions. Hearing loss can impair communication and situational awareness, which are critical for safety and performance.
Industrial and Manufacturing
People who work in industrial or manufacturing facilities are exposed to dangerously high noise levels on a daily basis. From heavy machinery and equipment to industrial fans and power tools, average noise levels in factory environments can range from 80 to 100+ dB.
Without proper hearing protection, repeated exposure to these loud sounds will result in hearing damage over time. A study involving 173 randomly selected factory workers found that almost half of them (49.7%) had some degree of NIHL2. Proper hearing protection, such as heavy-duty earmuffs designed for factory settings, can help reduce this risk.
Transportation
The transportation industry encompasses a wide range of occupations, such as airline pilots, train engineers, bus drivers, truck drivers, and more. These roles often involve daily exposure to loud sounds, including:
- City Traffic: 70-85 dB
- Trucks: 80 dB
- Motorcycles: 90-100 dB
- Jet Engines: 140 dB+
Situational awareness is essential in the transportation industry. Fortunately, there are many electronic hearing protection devices (HDPs) designed specifically to reduce harmful noise levels while simultaneously amplifying important sounds like someone talking.
Wearing custom hearing protection designed for your specific career is one of the most effective strategies for preventing NIHL at work.
Agriculture
Agricultural equipment, heavy machinery, power tools, and even livestock can all contribute to NIHL. Agricultural workers, including people who work in the forestry and logging industry, often operate machinery that produces noise levels well above the recommended safety threshold. Workers in these industries are also frequently exposed to these high noise levels for extended periods of time.
Additionally, the outdoor work environment can make it difficult to manage noise exposure effectively without hearing protection. Implementing proper hearing protection strategies is essential to lower the likelihood of developing NIHL in the agricultural industry.
OSHA Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Prevention Mandates
Protecting your hearing at work isn’t just beneficial; in some cases, it’s required. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established workplace regulations to help reduce the risk of NIHL7:
- OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 90 dBA for all workers for an 8-hour day.
- Employers must provide hearing protection to all workers at risk of NIHL.
- A hearing conservation program is required when noise exposure is at or above 85 dB over an 8-hour TWA.
- The hearing conservation program must include annual hearing tests.
- Employees must receive training on noise hazards, hearing protection, and the hearing conservation program.
These guidelines are government-mandated to ensure all employees exposed to hazardous noise receive the protection they need. Be sure to reference the OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) for specific information about these regulations.
Take the First Step Towards Protecting Your Hearing Health for Life
Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common occupational hazard in the United States. To safeguard your hearing and reduce the risk of NIHL in the workplace, implementing proper protective strategies is crucial – and Audibel are here to help.
Our dedicated team of hearing healthcare specialists can help you find the best hearing protection for your unique needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late; find an Audibel clinic near you today.
References
- Noise-induced hearing loss among manufacturing factory workers in Kuching, Sarawak: Prevalence and associated risk factors. (2023, September 1). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37775479/
- About occupational hearing loss. (2024, January 18). Noise and Hearing Loss. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/about/index.html
- Construction statistics. (2024, February 1). Noise and Hearing Loss. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/surveillance/construction.html
- FHWA. (2018). Construction equipment noise levels and ranges. In Construction Noise Handbook. https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1805/ML18059A141.pdf
- Services (including Public Safety) Statistics. (2024, January 30). Noise and Hearing Loss. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/surveillance/services.html
- CDC – Mining – Hearing loss in the mining industry: Overview – NIOSH. (2015, July 15). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining%5C/works/coversheet1377.html
- OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section III: Chapter 5. (n.d.). OSHA. https://www.osha.gov/otm/section-3-health-hazards/chapter-5
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