Noise-induced hearing loss in the work environment is also called “occupational noise-induced hearing loss.” (ONIHL) poses a major crisis among the Australian workforce with almost 16,500 workers successfully receiving compensation from 2002-2007 for industrial deafness, permanent hearing loss caused by noise in the work environment. Furthermore, the problem is not only financial but also linked to hypertension, depression, and even job dissatisfaction when hearing loss affects the workers ability to communicate and socialise normally.

Unfortunately, the size of a business can even affect what changes in noise levels or hearing protection can be effectively addressed in the workplace. For example, most small-to-medium-sized businesses are most likely to not address effective noise control at all. This is due in a large part to lack of awareness of the effects of loud noises on hearing as well as the negative effects of hearing loss on quality of living. To a lesser extent, small-to-medium-sized businesses also fear efforts for noise control will be outside their budget, and many work cultures are resistant to adapt to needed changes. On the other hand, large businesses seem to enforce noise control more effectively.

It is paramount that employees and businesses to know that once hearing is damaged, it will not return. Since the inner ear does not feel sharp pain, there is usually no warning if the danger of hearing loss is present. In fact, loud noises, especially loud bangs, 130 decibels or more, are even more damaging than continuous noise. However, the length of time you are exposed to noise 90 decibels or more can also cause hearing damage much like exposure to the sun damages the skin.

The best way to approach your concerns about noise-induced hearing loss in your workplace is to discuss it with your boss or human resources department as it is your employer’s responsibility to ensure its employees’ safety. Other things you can do to protect yourself include protecting your ears with ear plugs or ear muffs, if you cannot avoid loud sound. Cotton balls and tissue paper will not protect you sufficiently. What’s more, even in regards to loud music on your iPod or stereo, give you ears a regular rest from noise.

If you are concerned your own environment might be high-risk, consult your workplace or book yourself an appoint at a hearing centre today.

Hopefully it will never come to this in Australia but for those of you who have been following the FIFA World Cup in Australia you would be familiar with the vuvuzela.

The following safety first hearing pamphlet is an example of a warning being used to warn people of the risk and potential of vuvuzela Noise levels. Click the previous link to download the PDF document.

This thing is apparently louder than a live rock & roll band or a bulldozer. Who would have thought?

A new hearing study that was done by Ghent University in Belgium has found that listening to even 1 hour of music on personal music players like the Apple iPod can cause long term hearing loss. According to the study, this is because your hearing has a temporary change in sensitivity making you think the music isn’t as loud as what it actually is.

The study involved two groups of people of similar age where one group was exposed to varying volumes of rock and pop music for periods of at least an hour. The second  control group,  did not listen to music at all during the study.  Both groups underwent hearing tests before and after the study in which the group exposed to the music was found to show signs of hearing loss.

Research shows that a significant number of people who use personal music devices, tend to have the volume too loud reaching more than 85db which is loud enough over time to cause permanent hearing loss. This is a real concern considering the huge demand of these devices particularly in younger generations.

New research indicates there is a link between Viagra use and Hearing Loss. What? I hear you say! I’m also guessing if you’ve taken Viagra you are probably not going to be thinking about much else or listening to anything anyone has to say. Seriously though,research by a University of Alabama at Birmingham professor has shown the association between hearing loss and the use of Viagra, the erectile dysfunction drug. Before you panic, read more.

Be aware, the results from this research are inconclusive, but findings from the research which have been published on 18th May this year show the potential for long term hearing loss following the use of Viagra and also possibly Cialis and Levitra, both phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. There were however limitations to the study. Nevertheless, the University believe users should be aware of the potential risks.

Over 11,525 men were examined over 40 years. We didn’t know Viagra had even been around that long. Anyway, the mens medical data was examined by a panel set up by the Federal Agency  for Healthcare Research and Quality between 2003 and 2006. Men who had used phosphodiesterase type 5 medications were twice as likely to experience and report some level of hearing loss as the were men who had not used the drugs, and the strongest relationship, excuse the pun was with those who had used Viagra. It should be noted that the study was limited by the fact that other pre existing medical conditions might also have contributed to the hearing loss conditions reported.

Source : Medical News Today (Read the full article here)

The only thing that is constant is noise. it is all around us, most of the time.

Noise Pollution

Noise is not good, it interferes in the following ways:

• Noise increases blood pressure and the louder the noise the higher the increase.
• Noise intensifies the effects of drugs, alcohol, aging and lethal carbon monoxide.
• Noise alters the heartbeat itself, and not for the better, by the way.
• Noise increases breathing rate, sometimes good, sometimes not so much.
• Noise disturbs digestion.
• Noise can cause upset stomach, ulcers, acid reflux and other stomach ailments.
• Noise can lead to pre-mature childbirth.
• Noise contributes to insomnia, even when the noise has stopped.
• Noise contributes to irritability, impatience and other blood-pressure-boosting emotions.

Noise Sources

Usually its on-demand, most of the time you are paying for it. Movies, music players, games, clubs and it goes on. At home its even becoming available in high def. Lets not talk about motor bikes and modified exhausts. Why? It adds richness to life.

Noise damage

Here are some of the noise levels you might encounter.

The bad news is also that the effects of noise are cumulative. They start to add up over time. You can’t always go back.

It is too late?

Here’s what you can do:

• Increase your awareness of the noise around you, i.e. listen.
• Protect what you got. Sound levels below 80dBs are considered safe. No damage.
• Unplug daily. Regularly, too. If you’re an IPod addict, listen at normal, human levels for no more than 90 minutes a pop. Then unplug and give your ears time to heal themselves as best they can.
• Consider purchasing noise- cancelling headphones. These headphones are ideal when listening to music in the presence of background noise. Studies have shown the more background noise that surrounds you the higher you will turn your music up. If you can block out the background noise with your headphones, you will be less likely to increase the volume. A worthy investment – great sound quality, great hearing protection.
• Be aware of sounds in the workplace.
• Monitor recreational sound and use less of it. Recreational sound is noise you can eliminate or reduce. MP3 players and car radios are a few examples.
• Cover your ears, wear protective gear
• See a hearing professional

Get pro active about the noise you are exposed to and protect your ears….

A Senate Committee has recommended that additional noise safety regulations be created, specifically around recreational noise, and about time too. With the current pace and noise at live concerts and music venues, hearing loss will be rife, for those affected later in life. The Senate has found that 1/6 Australians suffer some degree of hearing loss and that could rise to 1/4 by the year 2050. The most common of these causes are age, and yes, loud music.

The most common cause of non age related hearing loss per the Senate findings were as a result of ongoing exposure to loud noise, and that this exposure occurred from personal music players (for example an Ipod or similar) and from from music venues. Remember the ringing in your ears after the last time you were in a loud pub.

If the Senate recommendations are adopted, music venues may have to provide warning signs about the sound levels of their music and hand out ear plugs to patrons for their own protection. Or, I guess just play the music a little softer. To ensure national hearing care targeted at young people, alos handing out ear plugs.

The Senate Committee estimated the cost of this hearing loss to Australia in heath care costs and lost wages to be $11 billion.

If you are concerned about your hearing, try our free online hearing test.

You can read the original article on the ABC website.