What?! Work-Related Hearing Loss On the Rise

What?! Work-Related Hearing Loss On the Rise

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By now you’ve probably met dozens of patient suffering from “can you repeat that?” syndrome. Whether it’s an elder whose hearing is in decline, or an eager teen rocking out to their music too loud, hearing loss has become a major issue within the last few decades. However, according to the Center for Disease Control, work-related hearing loss is actually is the most common work-related injury with approximately 22 million workers exposed annually to hazardous levels of occupational noise. Whether it’s working with live music, in a loud construction area, or on an airbase, there are a variety of ways that someone can suffer from work-related hearing loss.

Work-Related Hearing Loss

A recent CNN article followed a 55-year-old construction worker Jeff Ammon, as he dealt with the lasting effects of his construction career of 32 years. Pain and ringing would plague Ammons long after getting home from the job site. Medication hasn’t had a positive impact either.

“The medication to address pain has not been very successful at all. … I’m also on some medication for stress, anxiety and depression,” he said. “It has isolated me from society,” he told CNN. Ammons represents one of the millions suffering from work-related hearing loss.

work-related hearing loss

Signs of hearing loss include the persistent ringing, like Ammons endured, as well as the inability to hear or interpret speech.  Hearing loss is almost always a gradual process unless the noise is loud and sudden. Usually, it takes a while for the person suffering from hearing loss to even realize what’s going on. We often joke and tease each other about being hard of hearing, but it’s actually a big issue. Those suffering from work-related hearing loss need to seek out a health professional immediately.

The New Technology

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 20,000 workplace hearing loss cases occur annually, many resulting in permanent hearing loss. There have been a variety of different ways that both manufacturers and healthcare providers have been working to combat work-related hearing loss. One of the biggest prevention tactics and I’m sure you know it by heart, is to stay away from loud noise. Although it’s hard to do when it’s a part of your career, many physicians will still encourage other ways to prevent harm.

Soundproof headphones and earplugs are also on the rise and are a great recommendation for you to give your patients. For general industry workers who are exposed to noise for eight hours a day at or above a time-weighted average of 85 decibels, OSHA requires employers to provide notification, audiometric testing, and free hearing protectors.

The CDC is also implementing a Buy Quiet campaign in which employers are encouraged to buy quieter machinery to prevent work-related hearing loss.

You also want to take care of your hearing at home as well. This means to refrain from listening to music at loud volumes. You should also avoid working with or around loud power tools, and wearing the proper gear when shooting guns.

Getting Patients to Listen

Many patients won’t even realize that they have an issue. When you deal with loud noise in your entire career, it’s easy to get used to a muffled sense of sound, so it’s important to test your patient’s hearing during an exam. If they do have an issue, be sure to explain the repercussions that could impact them in the near future. Also, encourage patients to ask their employers about investing in quieter machinery or other hearing prevention equipment. A happy patient means a healthier patient. Work-related hearing loss is no joke, and it’s something that your patient needs to be aware of.

At the end of the day, work-related hearing loss is preventable. To do this you just have to ensure you’re aware of your surroundings and taking the proper steps you need to prevent hearing injuries.

Do you have any other tips for preventing work-related hearing loss? If so, make sure to comment below!

Author: Locum Jobs Online

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