When you are exposed to high levels of heat and get a burn, you can put a cold compress on it, bandage it up, and let it heal. In about a week or two, you’re back to good as new! The scary truth about being exposed to high levels of noise? It can cause permanent hearing loss, and/or ringing in the ears (Tinnitus) which is unable to be treated with surgery or medicine. You can be reactive when it comes to getting burned, but protecting your employee’s hearing against Tinnitus all starts with being proactive.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the buzzing, ringing, or roaring noise heard in the ears when there is no noise present. This is caused by overexposure to dangerous levels of noise for a prolonged time. Industries that consistently use heavy operating equipment are most susceptible to creating environments that are well above the standard noise level (85 dBA). Fighting against Tinnitus begins with preparing employees with the correct equipment early on.
Fighting Against Tinnitus
The best way to prevent Tinnitus from occurring is by taking extra precautions when it comes to hearing protection. This includes fully understanding the noise environment your employees work in (noise monitoring), ensuring their hearing is tested properly before being exposed to workplace noise (audiogram tests) and providing adequate resources for receiving hearing equipment that best suits their needs (hearing protectors). All three of these steps are included, and required, in OSHA’s Hearing Conservation Program.
Center for Industrial Audiometrics is willing and able to walk through all of these steps with you and your company to ensure your employees’ hearing is being proactively cared for. Tinnitus is no small repercussion from overexposure to high-level noise. We are here to help! Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
https://ciahearing.com/
7200 Cameron Park Drive
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 785-3277