The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses in the United States. According to NIOSH, 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, and an additional 9 million are exposed to chemicals that can damage hearing or balance functions of the ear. This figures result in an estimated $242 million spent annually on workers’ compensation for hearing loss disability.

There are many ways that occupational hearing loss can occur. While there are some circumstances where a sudden and traumatic noise could cause immediate hearing loss, more often it is gradual and occurs over time.

Hearing loss prevention is especially important for new workers as NIOSH reports that the rate of hearing loss growth is greatest during the first 10 years of exposure and often occurs so gradually that workers are unaware they are losing their hearing. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limits noise exposure to a 90 dBA time weighted average for an 8 hour workday. To protect workers from chemicals that can impact hearing, NIOSH has established recommended exposure limits (RELs) to shield workers from the harmful effects of exposure to known hazardous substances that cause hearing loss.

“Once hearing loss has occurred it is often irreversible,” said Michael Berrevoets, President, VOETS, LLC. “Preventing hearing loss is crucial so the industrial hygiene experts at VOETS offer sound measurements, personal exposure dose measurements, hearing protection device consulting, customized hearing conservation programs, and training services.”