Protect Your Ears

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month. Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss—grouped under the heading sensorineural hearing loss (inner ear nerves and hair cells are damaged)—and it affects 1 in 4 people. Noise-induced hearing loss happens when you’re exposed to a noise that is too loud and that lasts too long. Exposure to sounds 85 decibels (dB) and above can damage your hearing( and that’s the level that OHS regulations begin). The graphic below illustrates how common noises can impact your hearing.

This type of hearing loss is permanent so it’s important for workers to protect their hearing whenever possible on a job site. One size does not fit all when it comes to hearing protection, there are many styles to choose from, so find the one that works best for you. Options include;

• Ear muffs 
• Reusable earplugs 
• Headbands/Earbands 
• Single use earplugs

Caring for and inspecting hearing protection devices does more than prolong the life of PPE and ensure that it’s effectively doing its job. Helping workers build a strong habit of cleaning and inspecting also increases the likelihood of them using the items when needed. Who wants to put dirty earplugs in their ear? And how comfortable will worn-out ear cups be? This routine of looking at their PPE also gets people thinking about safety on a regular basis.

Cleaning PPE at the end of a shift means the items are ready to go the next day. Get into the habit of cleaning and inspecting your PPE on a day to day basis.