Hearing loss is preventable

Noise is common but hearing loss is preventable.

Between 28–32 per cent of the Australian workforce is likely to experience loud noise at work and this exposure is the commonest preventable cause of occupational hearing loss.

Once acquired, it is irreversible and can have a significant impact on a worker’s life.

Damage to hearing can occur in different ways, first causing the loss of the ability to hear high-pitched sounds, and causing conversation to sound muffled, so the person might find it difficult to understand what is being said.

Hearing damage can also cause tinnitus, a condition that can become permanent and, when severe, can lead to sleep disruption, reduced concentration, irritability and depression.

The degree of hearing loss that occurs is dependent on how loud the noise is, how long someone is exposed to it and, to some extent, individual susceptibility.

The frequency or pitch can also have some effect on hearing loss; high-pitched sounds are more damaging than low-pitched ones.

Regular exposure to noise above 85 decibels (or about the level made by a lawn mower) will cause gradual hearing loss in a significant number of people, and louder noises will accelerate this damage.

Hearing tests are now available for all Winslow site employees during May.

Please contact your HSE coordinator to find out when it is happening at your site.