Working in a noisy environment can increase risk of premature hearing loss
Hearing loss for most people generally develops over many years, with the effects becoming apparent only gradually, this makes it difficult for those affected to recognise that they are suffering from a hearing impairment.
One of the leading causes of hearing loss is noise exposure. Noise induced hearing loss is often a hazard for those who work in noisy environments, like a construction site or dairy farm. In 2007 a study found 37% of all adult hearing loss cases could be attributed to workplace noise.
This may be an issue for many New Zealanders, with the Manufacturing, Agriculture, Construction and Transport industries shown to have frequent exposure to loud noise.
Companies often take precautions to help prevent noise induced hearing loss, however a small farmer or panel beater may not have these precautions in place and this can cause problems later in life. A study of 586 farm workers across Southland found most workers had a moderate hearing loss, with a minority having a significant loss.
How would you know if you had noise induced hearing loss? There are five key signs.
1: Does your family complain about the volume when you are listening to the radio or television?
2: Do you find it difficult to follow a conversation in noisy environments?
3: Do you often feel exhausted after family celebrations because listening is such an effort?
4: Do you hear better when you can look at the person talking to you?
5: Do you find it difficult to understand phone conversations clearly?
If any of these signs apply to you, don’t endure it, you can and should do something about it, and you may be eligible for financial support from the New Zealand Government. ACC ( Accident Compensation Corporation) also provide financial support for injury related hearing loss, which, depending on the level of injury, can include fully funded hearing aids.
At Audiology South we help people with hearing loss navigate through the ACC claims process every day. If you think you may have hearing loss and feel it may have been caused through your work we recommend you attend our free seminar on noise induced hearing loss, at the Invercargill Working Mens Club, call us today to reserve your space.