How noisy is your work?

According to the American National Institute of Health (NIH), extended exposure to noise (about 85 decibels) can cause hearing loss. Many industries use loud and noisy machinery on a day-to-day basis. While some machinery may not seem very loud when you're using it, prolonged noise exposure at work can cause hearing damage.

We have compiled a list of professions where noise exposure at work is most prevalent. 

Airport ground staff
Airport ground staff can be subject to extremely loud noises from jet engines that exceed 120 decibels on a regular basis. This kind of exposure can cause severe hearing damage and airport ground staff should wear hearing protection at all times.

Hairdressers
Although a salon is often a noisy and busy environment, many assume that the noise levels are not dangerous. However, this may come as a surprise, but some hair dryers can make sounds of between 80 to 90 decibels, exceeding the safe noise limit.

Gardeners
Gardening is often thought of as a relaxing pastime, however, it also requires frequent use of loud machines. Blowers, mowers, hedge trimmers and lawn tractors all have decibel ratings above 85 decibels, meaning that they pose a real hearing health risk. To reduce your exposure to noise, we recommend always using earmuffs or earplugs, even if the machine doesn't seem very loud.

Farmers
Many farmers spend time around loud machinery for prolonged periods of time. We recommended that farmers look after their hearing by investing in a good pair of earmuffs when working with or around loud machinery.

Construction workers
A construction site can be an extremely busy and noisy place. Jackhammers, for instance, are a whopping 130 decibels! Whenever operating loud machinery, construction workers should always wear earmuffs. They should also avoid taking their rest time in loud areas.

Musicians
Did you know that drummers are exposed to volumes that can exceed 120 decibels? If you're a drummer, we strongly recommend investing in a quality pair of earplugs. Not only will this protect your hearing, but it will also allow you to enjoy the nuances of your musical sound in a much safer and more detailed way.

If you are in a career or previously been in a career where you've been exposed to loud noise, we recommend having your hearing tested at your local clinic.