Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Have you ever worked in a noisey environment and wondered if there is something wrong with your hearing?

Hearing_Loss_claim_online.gifNoise Induced Hearing LossNoise Induced Hearing Loss

Industrial Hearing Loss can also referred to as Noise Induced Hearing Loss or Occupational Deafness. It is irreversible damage to the ears caused by exposure to high levels of noise (over 80 decibels). Noise Induced Hearing Loss happens very gradually. Unfortunately, by the time you have noticed it, it is usually too late.

Examples of noise levels are as follows:

  • Bedroom or quiet living room 40dBA
  • Conversation at a normal level 60dBA
  • Vacuum cleaner (10ft) 70dBA
  • Food blender (2ft) or Pneumatic drill (50ft) 80dBA
  • Heavy truck or motorbike (25ft) 90dBA
  • Chain saw 110dBA

Some industries which can commonly be referred to as noisy are:

Woodworking, General Fabrication, Plastics Processing, Ship Building, Demolition or Road Repair, Military, Agriculture, Printing, Foundries, Engineering, Textiles, Steel Works, Metal Forging, Canning or Bottling, Paper or Board Making, Metal Pressing, Metal Stamping.


Noise induced hearing can also be brought on by working with certain tools. Some of these include Drills, Chainsaws, Hammering Devices, Drop Forging, Explosive Devices and Pneumatic Impact tools.  It is also common to find that people who have used some of these hand held tools may also suffer from a vibration related illness.

Are you at Risk?

If you can answer ‘YES’ to any of the following questions then YOU ARE PROBABLY AT RISK!

  • Is the noise intrusive for most of the day? This might be similar to a busy shopping centre, your vacuum cleaner or equivalent to being in a busy bar or restaurant.
  • During a part of your normal day do you have to raise your voice to have a normal conversation when standing approximately 2 meters away from the other person?
  • Do you use loud machinery or noisy powered tools for more than 30 minutes each working day?
  • Do you work in a noisy environment such as listed above?
  • Are there noises due to impacts in your working environment?  These may be from Drills, Chainsaws, Hammering Devices, Drop Forging, Explosive Devices (such as detonators, guns & cartridge-operated tools) and Pneumatic Impact tools.
  • Is your hearing muffled at the end of the day?  It may even be okay in the morning.


Common Noise Induced Hearing Loss Symptoms:

  • Family members complaining that the TV is too loud.
  • Conversation becomes difficult or sometimes even impossible.
  • Using the telephone may become difficult.
  • You may experience confusion with some words as you struggle to catch certain sounds such as ‘t’, ‘d’ and ‘s’.
  • You may suffer from Tinnitus (humming, ringing, buzzing or whistling sounds in your ears).

If you wish to make a hearing loss claim click here