Julie Raney is a certified and licensed audiologist. She has a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Audiology from Idaho State University. She has worked as a clinical audiologist in Colorado since 2005. She specializes in hearing amplification for adults and delivers her services in both English and Sign Language.

What are some common jobs that have a high risk of contributing to hearing loss?

There are many occupations that contain risk factors that can cause noise induced hearing loss. Here are just a few:

Construction and factory workers: While It is not hyperbole to say that the basic functioning of our entire society depends on these industries, the people who do these jobs are often putting their hearing at risk. Between the machinery at the factories roaring, the thrumming of power tools, small motors like trimmers used in landscaping, it is hard to avoid constant and dangerously loud sounds while working.

Emergency workers: The heroes we depend on to show up when we are in crisis experience more than the most obvious dangers. Besides having to fight fires or save us during medical emergencies, they also are exposed to dangerous levels of noise. We all flinch from the sound when a siren passes, yet they are exposed to this noise regularly.

Flight crews: Unless you are a pilot or work in airports, the roar of a jet engine during takeoff may not be something you are exposed to close up. However flight crews and airport workers are exposed to these thunderous volumes flight after flight.

Entertainment industry: We might think of nightlife as something frivolous or just for fun, but many people rely on this industry to make a living. Sound technicians, roadies, and concession workers cannot escape the deafening volume of the concert music . Bartenders, ushers, waiters, and others are exposed nightly to high volumes of music and loud crowds.

What are some steps that Institutions can take to lessen risk?

There are many steps that a workplace can take to help reduce the risk of hearing loss for its workers. While it might be argued that it is too expensive, it is estimated that compensation for hearing loss disability costs $242 million annually. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), working with The Hearing Loss Prevention Cross-Sector Research Program are currently researching for recommendations on reducing exposure in many common high-risk environments.

What steps can I take personally to protect myself?

Until these recommendations become law, each worker needs to take steps to protect their hearing. While, common foam earplugs do make a significant difference, customized earplugs that can fit the specific contour of your ear are much better and can filter a wider range of sounds. Even if the work environment does not lend itself to always keeping earplugs in, wearing them for short periods can make a meaningful impact on your overall hearing health. Especially if you can time it for when volume levels are particularly high.

Even though some workplace cultures have normalized unhealthy behaviors this does not mean that you need to do them too. This may seem counter intuitive. When you witness your coworkers practicing poor safety precautions, why would it occur to you to do something different? Wearing hearing protection can be uncomfortable or one more step to take and it may seem unimportant or easy to skip. And of course, no one wants to seem judgmental of the norms of the current workplace culture. But of course, taking care of your hearing needs to take priority.

Addressing Untreated Hearing Loss

According to the CDC, hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical disability in the United States, twice as prevalent as diabetes or cancer. Unfortunately, the majority of those affected do not seek treatment. Untreated hearing loss has been connected to many physical and mental health issues such as social isolation, impaired balance, depression, disorientation, and decreased cognitive skills. Why would you want these consequences if you could avoid them? If you or someone you love works in an industry that has a high risk of hearing loss, work to create better preventative habits. And don’t forget to talk with your doctor to refer you to a hearing specialist. They will have your hearing tested and have any existing hearing loss treated as soon as possible