Noise Induced Hearing Loss Spreads To New Professions.
The long history of industrial deafness that has afflicted construction workers, miner, steel makers, aircraft and shipbuilders, mechanics, and the many others who work with noisy machinery and heavy equipment is well known and documented. But even in the post-industrial age of modern societies, there are still some professions which often can be just as noisy, according to several new studies.
There are increasing reports of nursery school teachers, dentists and office workers being daily exposed to noise levels in their workplaces, affecting their mental and physical health. The noise may result in stress and headaches and, in the worst cases, even hearing loss.
A recent study carried out in Norway and neighbouring country, Denmark, indicated that one nursery school teacher in four suffers from ringing in the ears because of noise exposure.
It was also found that the noise affects the children as well as the adults with as many as one child in six in the Norwegian study being affected. Excessive noise exposure can result in stress, headaches and development of tinnitus, leading to learning problems and, in the worst cases, possible hearing damage in both children and teaching staff.
The study appeared to show that children can be as noisy as heavy machinery! But small pieces of equipment can also be a problem source for causing noise induced hearing loss. Types of small equipment cited as not uncommon deafness causes are dentists’ tools and appliances, and general office equipment.
Some dental drills make so much noise – above 100dB – that they exceed recommended maximum levels, and place dentists’ hearing at risk. In particular, old drills and dental instruments are most likely to cause excessive levels of noise.
Even in the everyday workplace of a small, medium or large office, noise from computers, printers and telephones can affect the employees’ hearing resulting in hearing loss and tinnitus and affecting the wellbeing and performance of office personnel, according to a German survey of approximately 1,000 employees.
The physical effects of noise induced hearing loss are permanent and cannot be regenerated. Renewing awareness of noise in the workplace is strongly advised by looking for ways to reduce the noise below the recommended levels and protecting ears with earplugs or other hearing protection devices.
Workplaces can be also noise proofed by preventive measures, such as installing noise absorbing ceiling tiles, tipping chair legs with felt pads, replacing plastic containers with woven baskets, and installing noise warning sensors.