Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) August 07, 2015
Hearing loss affects every age group and has two main causes: old age and exposure to loud noise. It’s the exposure to loud noise that can be prevented, and using hearing protection can help prevent or reduce hearing loss later in life.
Exposure to loud noise comes from multiple sources, and music has recently been spotlighted as a major contributor to hearing loss—especially among young adults who frequently listen to loud music through headphones. But loud music is not the only culprit, and may not even be the most dangerous one, as statistics show that work-related hearing loss is a major problem that should be receiving more attention.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), approximately 22 million US workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise and 242 million dollars is spent annually on worker’s compensation claims for hearing loss.
Additionally, according to Southwest Hearing Center, the risk of developing hearing loss later in life is dependent on the occupation, and it has been found that workers in jobs with louder environmental sounds have a substantially higher risk of developing hearing loss.
For example, in a study conducted by Audicus, it was found that the incidence rate of hearing loss at age 50 among workers with no noise exposure above 90 decibels (anything above 85-90 is considered dangerous) is 9 percent. In contrast, in manufacturing, which exposes workers to decibel levels of 105 , the incidence rate of hearing loss at age 50 is 30 percent. In construction, where decibel levels reach 120, the incidence rate of hearing loss at age 50 jumps to 60 percent.
The rates of hearing loss rise as the decibel levels rise, and loud occupations like manufacturing, construction, and farming place its workers at significant risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss.
According to Southwest Hearing Center, it is essential that employees inquire about their organization’s hearing loss protection program and that they follow the recommendations. And if an employer does not have a plan in place, Southwest Hearing Center encourages people to contact their local hearing specialist for custom hearing protection solutions. Hearing professionals can develop personalized plans, which include the use of high-quality custom-fit earplugs that can block out sound while preserving the quality of sound.
Read the full article here: http://www.southwesthearingcenter.com/the-surprising-statistics-behind-occupational-hearing-loss/.
About Southwest Hearing Center
Southwest Hearing Center is a full-service audiology practice located in Arizona, with locations in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and compassionate staff, Southwest Hearing Center offers comprehensive services including hearing tests, hearing aid evaluations, custom hearing aid fittings, hearing aid cleanings, rehabilitative counseling, preventive care advice, and service and repair for most hearing aid models.
Contact:
Ronald W. Miller, Au.D.
Southwest Hearing Center
http://southwesthearingcenter.com
Scottsdale 480-648-2494
Phoenix 602-235-0237