In a busy city like London, the range of noises can be relentless. If you work or live in a noisy environment, the risk of noise-induced hearing loss is a serious concern. It’s important to protect your hearing from excessive noise exposure to prevent long-term damage. In this blog, we will explain the impact of workplace noise on hearing health and provide you with practical advice on how to protect your ears, using solutions like microsuction which are readily available in London.
Understanding the Impact of Noise on Hearing
Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when loud sounds damage the sensitive structures in the inner ear. Unlike other injuries, the damage from noise often develops gradually, making it difficult to notice until it becomes significant. London’s workforce, particularly those in construction, manufacturing, or transportation, are at a higher risk due to their constant exposure to loud noises.
The first step in protecting your hearing is understanding which sounds are harmful. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), and prolonged exposure to noise over 85 dB can lead to hearing damage. To put it in perspective, heavy city traffic can reach up to 85 dB, while an underground train can be as loud as 100 dB.
Signs of Hearing Loss
Identifying the early signs of hearing loss can help prevent further damage. Common symptoms include;
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
- Increasing the volume of devices higher than previously needed.
- A ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, known as tinnitus.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult a professional to assess your hearing health.
Preventative Measures
Protecting your hearing doesn’t require drastic changes to your daily routine, but it does involve awareness and simple preventative strategies. Here are some measures you can take:
Use Protective Equipment
If you work in a noisy environment, wearing earplugs or earmuffs is essential. These devices can significantly reduce noise levels and protect your ears from the potential long-term damage caused by persistent loud sounds. It’s important to select the right type of hearing protection based on the specific requirements of your workplace.
Earplugs are small and fit directly into the ear canal, providing a noise barrier that reduces the intensity of the sound entering your ears. They are available in disposable foam varieties, which are ideal for short-term use, or in custom-moulded options which offer a more durable solution and can be tailored to fit your ears perfectly. This custom fit ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness in noise reduction.
Reduce Exposure
Limiting the time you spend in noisy environments is a crucial step in preserving your hearing health. Continuous exposure to loud noise can have a cumulative effect, potentially leading to permanent hearing loss over time. To mitigate this, it is advisable to take regular breaks in quieter areas, allowing your ears time to recover from the barrage of noise.
If your job requires you to be in a loud environment, try to arrange your workspace so that you spend the least amount of time near the loudest machines or equipment. Employers can help by implementing a rotation schedule that allows employees to move between louder and quieter work tasks throughout the day. This not only reduces overall noise exposure but also helps prevent fatigue associated with high noise levels.
Monitor Noise Levels
Being aware of the noise levels in your workplace is essential for maintaining your hearing health. Many modern smartphones are equipped with apps that can accurately measure sound levels, providing you with real-time data about your noise exposure. These applications use the phone’s built-in microphone to capture sound, calculating the decibel level and displaying it on the screen. This technology allows you to monitor your environment actively and make informed decisions about when to use hearing protection.
For more accurate and consistent measurements, specialised sound level meters are also available. These devices are designed to meet international standards for noise measurement and are used by health and safety professionals to assess noise exposure in various environments. Investing in a professional sound level meter or encouraging your employer to do so can significantly enhance the accuracy of noise monitoring in your workplace.
Maintain Equipment
Often, excessive workplace noise can stem from malfunctioning or poorly maintained machinery. Regular maintenance of equipment is not only crucial for operational efficiency but also plays a significant role in noise reduction. Ensuring that machines are properly serviced and kept in good working order can help minimise the sounds they produce, thus protecting workers from potential hearing damage.
Scheduled maintenance should include checks for worn-out parts, lubrication of moving components, and repairs or replacements of any faulty elements. These practices help in keeping the machines running smoothly and quietly. For instance, a bearing that has lost its lubrication can cause a significant increase in noise as the machine operates, which not only creates a hazardous noise level but also wears down the machinery faster.
Hearing Health Services
Regular hearing checks are vital, especially if you are frequently exposed to high noise levels. These evaluations can track any changes in your hearing ability, allowing for early intervention if problems are detected. Early detection and treatment of hearing loss can help to prevent further deterioration and improve your quality of life.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you find that normal conversations have become difficult to follow or you often feel that your ears are blocked, it may be time to seek professional help. Symptoms like these should not be ignored, as they can indicate underlying issues that might worsen if untreated. By seeking professional help, you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to address your hearing concerns.
Solutions Available in London
In London, specialised services such as micro-suction offer a safe and effective way to clean ears and prevent hearing issues caused by wax build-up. Microsuction is a procedure where a small device is used to gently remove ear wax using suction. It is considered one of the safest and most comfortable methods of ear cleaning and does not involve the use of liquids, which means no mess and no fuss.
For those looking for an ear clinic in London, visit The Hearing Hub. Our clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experienced professionals who can provide comprehensive care for your hearing health. We have London clinics in Twickenham, Canary Wharf, Ilford, Stratford, Leyton, Romford and Victoria, book an appointment today to prioritise your ear health.