Unilateral hearing loss suggests there could be a problem due to disease or infection. If there has been no previous diagnosis, you will be referred to your GP for further medical advice and/ or investigations.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a permanent hearing impairment resulting from (prolonged) exposure to high levels of noise.
NIHL occurs when excessive noise damages the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to irreversible hearing loss. It is a prevalent occupational hazard in industries, in particular, manufacturing, construction, and mining. Recreational noise, such as loud music at concerts and through headphones, can also be a significant risk factor. Preventative measures, including engineering controls, hearing protection, and regular hearing assessments, are
crucial to mitigate the risk and protect hearing health.
Where there are possible signs of noise induced hearing loss there is further monitoring required to keep your employer compliant with HSE’s regulations.
If there is no previous hearing test within 3 years you will be asked to complete a second test usually 6 weeks following your first appointment.
If the possible signs of NIHL are still present in your second test, your results will then be reviewed by an Occupational health physician.
The OHP will review your results and produce a report that identifies the likely probability of noise induced hearing loss and it’s possible cause.
The OHP will make recommendations both for site management and for you. These may include:
• Ensuring occupational hygiene monitoring has taken place at your workplace;
• Risk assessments are reviewed and updated where necessary;
• Adjustments to your role. This may include reduction in exposure to excessive noise levels;
• PPE – ensuring that it is available and being worn in the correct manner to provide protection.
Your hearing will now be monitored at regular intervals, as determined by the Occupational Health Physician (OHP). These intervals may be more frequent than usual to ensure there is no further decline in your hearing. The measures we have implemented will ensure that your employer remains compliant with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines for audiometry testing.
- Aging
- Exposure to loud noise
- Hereditary
- Head injury/trauma
- Headphone use
- Childhood illness
- Ear infections
- Tumor
- Certain medications and chemicals
Being mindful of what we do inside & outside of work can be a big contributor to how our hearing deteriorates over time and having the right equipment in place can make all the difference. Speak to your H&S representative as to whether your role is suitable for hearing protection.
Most smart phones will now warn us when we have been listening to music that is too loud for too long. Turning the volume down a touch will make all the difference. Perhaps you’re going to a concert and have no control over the volume, hearing protection is available to reduce the harmful tones whilst still
getting the full experience.
You should also have some hearing protection handy for tasks such as cutting the grass or DIY with power tools.
Hearing loss from noise is slow and painless; you can have a disability before you notice it. It progresses over time and is permanent but most importantly, it is 100% preventable. You only have one set of ears, so make sure you protect them.
