Most people would be surprised to learn that exposure to excessive noise affects approximately 25% of all US workers (22 million). What’s worse is that over half of these exposed workers were not wearing hearing protection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Exposure to excessive noise affects approximately 25% of all US workers (22 million). What’s worse is that over half of these exposed workers were not wearing hearing protection.
Exposure to excessive noise levels in the workplace, whether from machinery, tools, or environmental factors, poses a serious threat not only to auditory health, but other hidden health effects as well. Understanding the risks associated with workplace noise exposure and how to implement safeguards is crucial for protecting worker well-being and ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.
Additional Health Effects of Hearing Loss :
- Tinnitus: The perception of sound in the ears when there is no external source, such as ringing in the ears.
- Cardiovascular Issues: There is evidence that occupational noise can contribute to cardiovascular diseases.
- Psychological Stress: Loud noise can cause stress, reduce productivity, create social isolation, and interfere with communication and concentration.
- Increased Risk of Accidents: Noise can make it difficult to hear warning signals, increasing the risk of workplace accidents.
- Dementia: Studies show that people with severe hearing impairment are five times more likely to develop dementia.
What is the Acceptable Noise Exposure Limit at Work?
While OSHA recognizes that many of its PELs are out of date, and the noise PEL in particular may not protect workers from developing noise-induced hearing loss. The ACGIH TLV and the NIOSH REL for noise exposure are both 85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA and are used as the best practice.
The ACGIH TLV and the NIOSH REL for noise exposure are both 85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA and are used as the best practice.
For reference, in the image above, The Center for Construction Research and Training shows the decibel level for some standard tools that are above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 85 dBA, such as:
- Pneumatic Precision Drill
- Hammer Drill
- Chain Saw
- Spray Painter
- Hand Drill
And while these tools are often used in every day life, they are also commonly used on the job in leading noise exposure industries like construction, manufacturing, and mining/quarrying/oil and gas.
Combined Exposure to Noise and Ototoxic Chemicals
Particular attention should be paid to the combined exposure to noise and certain chemicals that have a negative impact on hearing , called ototoxic chemicals. These chemicals may trigger the implementation of employer Hearing Conservation Programs (HCPs) at lower noise exposure levels. Various studies suggest that the risk of hearing loss is much greater for groups exposed to ototoxic chemicals.
Examples of Ototoxic Chemicals:
- Solvents: toluene, styrene, xylene, ethylbenzene, and trichloroethylene
- Metals and compounds: mercury compounds, lead, and organic tin compounds
- Asphyxiants: carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and it’s salts, tobacco smoke
- Nitriles: 3-butenenitrile, cis-2-pentenenitrile, and acrylonitrile
- Pharmaceuticals: certain antineoplastic drugs
- Pesticides
How to Assess Noise Exposure in the Workplace
To properly assess occupational noise exposure, an industrial hygienist may have the worker wear a noise dosimeter, which measures and averages the decibel level throughout the work shift. The noise dosimeter result is then compared to occupational exposure limits, such as the OSHA Action Level and Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists’ Threshold Limit Value (ACGIH-TLV®), or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL).
For quick reads of noisy conditions, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also has a free mobile application in the Apple store for iOS devices that’s a great resource to have on hand also.
Noise Exposure Prevention
The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable.
For reference, in the image above, The Center for Construction Research and Training shows the decibel level for some
Steps to Reduce Noise Exposure:
- Reduce the noise level below 85 dB
- Limit the time a worker is exposed to noise
- Wear the proper hearing protection when noise levels are above 85 dB
For a noise exposure assessment in your workplace, for consultation on the best ways to prevent exposure, or for guidance on implementing an effective hearing conservation program, contact an EHS consultant.
Additional Sources:
Occupational Noise Exposure. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. https://www.osha.gov/noise
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understand Noise Exposure. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/prevent/understand.html
Permissible Exposure Limits – Annotated Tables. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. https://www.osha.gov/annotated-pels