JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

Every year millions of individuals are exposed to loud noises in their work environments. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can lead to hearing loss, deafness, and for many, the inability to return to work. But how do you know if you are at risk for hearing loss? We take a look at some of the industries at risk and just how damaging some noise exposure can be.

Industries at Risk

Many types of jobs have dangers with noise exposure, but there are certain industries that see the greatest risks day in and day out. The top six noisiest occupations include:

• Manufacturing – The most commonly recorded occupational illness, accounting for ine in nine recorded hearing-related illnesses.
• Construction, Carpentry, and Mining – Easy to understand the exposures from just walking by a construction site, let alone working in one day in and day out.
• Motorcycle Courier – While this occupation is a bit more rare, those who do this type of work can be exposed to prolonged noise at an unsafe volume.
• Entertainment Industry – Loud music at bars, nightclubs, concert venues can mean exposure to noises over safe limits for hours at a time, night in and night out.
• Aviation – Jets can be one of the loudest occupational sound hazards. Even the noise-cancelling headphones that traffic directors wear may not limit the sound exposure.
• Shooting Range Employees – Guns and firearms produce loud, dangerous noise levels and prolonged exposure can prove damaging to the hearing.

Exposure Limits

Prolonged exposure to noise can cause serious, long-term damage, but how loud is too loud?

• 85-100 Decibels – This sound range can include sounds like heavy city traffic, motorcycle engines, lawn mowers and snowmobiles. Prolonged exposure can lead to gradual hearing loss.
• 100-110 Decibels – Imagine your stereo system at the maximum volume or a rock concert. Just 15 minutes of unprotected exposure can lead to hearing loss.
• 110 Decibels and Greater – Sounds like firecrackers and ambulance sirens can top 150 decibels. Unprotected exposure of more than one minute can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Hearing loss can have an extreme impact on your daily life. If you have experienced hearing loss as a result of a loud work environment, call our experienced legal team today for a free consultation:  888-807-WORK (9675). We can help you obtain workers’ compensation benefits to get you back on your feet financially.