There are many jobs that come with various health and safety risk factors and loss of hearing can be one of them. According to the HSE, from 2018 – 2021, there were 14,000 workers suffering with work-related hearing problems in Britain.

85 decibels is the limit for safety, therefore if an employee works with any noise above that for any length of time, ear protection should be worn.

We’ll explore some of the most common jobs where hearing loss can be a risk.

Airport ground staff

Ear protection must be worn by plane engineers, runway operations personnel and other ground staff at an airport. Planes generate a high level of noise during take-off and landing and, over time, this could have an impact on an employee’s hearing.

Construction workers

Construction work often involves using power tools and equipment that make very loud noise. It’s the responsibility of the employer to provide ear protection as well as take steps taken to mitigate the risk of hearing damage, such as with sounds barriers. Employees may seek legal advice if hearing loss is due to negligence at work, particularly if they’ve not been made aware of the risks or the employer has failed to provide them with the correct personal protective equipment.

Musicians and DJs

Loud music can affect hearing, especially when spending prolonged periods of time next to speakers. Musicians, DJs and staff in entertainment venues such as nightclubs or theatres can be at risk of hearing problems, especially as ear protection is not commonly worn.

Farmers

Farmers are susceptible to hearing loss due to working with heavy, noisy machinery for long hours and often from a young age. With many farmers taking little time off, the effects of agricultural noise on hearing can build significantly over time.

Another issue is that farmers might not consider wearing ear protection, especially if working in small, independent, family-owned environments with minimal staff.

Hairdresser

Although you might not think it, hairdressing can leave workers exposed to dangerous noise levels from multiple hairdryers. Over time, this can lead to hearing damage.

Pre-school teachers

Believe it or not, a chaotic classroom with kids shouting, screaming or singing can have a negative effect on teachers’ hearing. However, unlike in many other jobs, it’s more difficult to gain protection from the risks when it’s necessary to be able to hear children.

As well as the obvious physical effects, hearing loss can also lead to emotional issues such as stress, as well as tiredness, due to not being able to participate in conversations and the inability to concentrate in certain situations. It’s, therefore, crucial to use protection where possible or limit the time exposed to dangerous decibels.