HOW DOES NOISE HURT?
Hearing loss to noise in the workplace is often underrated as an occupational hazard. It's frequently ignored because hearing loss usually takes place over a long period of time and may not be readily apparent until the damage is done. There's no visible wound or other sign of injury. But too much noise can cause a variety of problems. It can make you tired and irritable from the strain of talking or trying to listen over loud sounds. You might not be able to hear important work or safety instructions because of excessive noise.

Other physical damage occurs because of the way the body reacts to noise. Let's say you're sitting in the company break area, absorbed in reading the sports page. The plant joker sneaks up behind you and - "bang"- pops a paper bag right behind your head. You're startled. Your muscles tense. Your heart beats rapidly and adrenaline starts to flow. Your body prepares for "fight or fight", a natural response to a sudden noise. Once you realize that there's no danger, you settle down. Your body slowly returns to normal. Now if this would happen over and over, every day, your body would suffer. This is why studies link noise with high blood pressure, ulcers, headaches and sleeping disorders. Add these potential dangers to the obvious damage that noise can do in causing either temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Don't you believe it if you're told that you'll "get used" to all the noise in your workplace. High levels of noise are dangerous, and the situation needs to be looked at carefully if you find yourself in this kind of a work environment. You should investigate hearing protection devices.


Hearing Protection Page 1                                  Return to Safety Tips Page