Written by Precious Marho

A few months ago, I accompanied a friend for a purchase at a wood vendor. Startlingly, the employee who was delegated to sawing the wood to size neglected to wear an ear protection, despite the machine’s loud noise. Simply looking at him from afar, working handily with the machine- totally exposed was terrifying. Afterwards, I deemed it necessary to educate him on the demerits of exposing his ears to such loud noises. A lecture that was perhaps better apt for the employer.

Unfortunately, this occurrence is commonplace in industries and companies around the world. Employees are left unprotected from the dangers of loud noise and their employers- not caring too much about the safety of the workers, or perhaps ignorant of the damage, are unconcerned. The health and safety of workers must be considered paramount, and in particularly loud industries, their ears must be protected from noise hazards. But, with what should it be protected?

Ear defenders are personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect the wearer from extremely loud noises. In a ton of industries, employees are routinely exposed to noise levels higher than 85 decibels, which can be detrimental to their long term health. As an employee, it is your RIGHT to be adequately protected in your job and you must demand ear defenders from your employer.

There are two major types of ear defenders that can be used for protection against high level noise. There are the ear muffs and the ear plugs. Ear muffs, similar in appearance to a headphone, has acoustic foam which absorbs sound waves. Ear plugs however, are small cylindrical-shaped gadgets designed to fit onto the ear canal. Your choice of an appropriate ear defender will depend on your industry, ambient conditions, and individual requirements.

In industries where employees are required to wear other forms of PPE, say helmets and goggles, ear plugs which can easily be used in tandem with these PPEs are more suitable than ear muffs.

Ear muffs (ideally, thermal muffs) are better suited for workplaces in cooler climate. Conversely, with its small surface area, ear plugs are the go-to defenders for workplaces in warmer climates. Moreover, the less-cumbersome design of ear plugs means they are much easier for employees to carry around. However, employees with ear infections will be more comfortable wearing ear muffs because of its detachment from sensitive ear nerves.

Summarily though, ear plugs, which sit on the ear canal, guarantee the very highest levels of noise protection. As an employer, you may even consider advising employees to wear muffs and plugs together for greater protection against ultra-high noise levels (>103 decibels).

As kind of a bonus, newer models of ear defenders, whilst eliminating loud noises, enable the employee to hear signals and alarm calls and via a two way radio, communicate with their colleagues. This is very useful for workplaces where communication is essential amid high level noises.

Perhaps, you have soldiered on in your noisy workplace without ear defenders for a long time, or you’ve seen someone who has, and don’t really know what the noise is all about. There are several reasons why you absolutely, matter-of-factly need to use ear protection in your workplace. The consequences of continuous exposure to high noise levels can be highly damaging to your health and relationships. May we examine these consequences?

Physical consequences:

One time exposure or constant exposure to noise in the workplace may result in a condition called occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL). That is temporary or permanent damage to the hearing abilities of one or both ears. ONIHL can occur immediately upon exposure or, every so often, subsequently after series of exposures.

Signs of hearing loss include: difficulty hearing and understanding words, tinnitus (ringing in the head or ears), ear aches, difficulty understanding consonant sounds, and a spinning sensation akin to vertigo. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you should see an Otologist. Unfortunately, noise induced hearing loss cannot be cured, but it can be treated and managed.

Psychological health reasons:

High levels of noise can cause a range of psychological problems including mental health problems, stress, dizziness and vertigo, nausea, muscle cramps and just plain old noise annoyance. Working amidst high level noise can distract employees and reduce their concentration levels, causing mental, emotional or physical strain, which may result in depression.

Moreover, our bodies respond to noise during sleep, regardless of whether we are awoken or not. The ensuing sleep deprivation may result in fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, mood swings and an increased susceptibility to injuries and diseases.

Physiological health reasons:

Exposure to industrial noise may affect the workings of the cardiovascular system and lead to an increase in the heart rate. This increase in heart rate can cause high blood pressure and hypertension.

A study of aircraft noise  around Heathrow Airport found that high level noise was associated with coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease in the nearby area. And in a 2018 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), hypertension was found to be more common among workers exposed to loud noise in the workplace.

As an employer, the reality is that you have a lot to gain if your employees are protected from noise (and all) hazards in your workplace. In the event of workplace injury or harm to your employees, the medical, legal and compensation costs will fall squarely on your shoulders and, depending on the level of your business; that may be detrimental to your income.

An employee without the numerous health problems associated with high level noise will be far more focused, productive and effective in the organisation. This enhanced focus and concentration creates a safer condition in your workplace and reduces the potential for accidents.

In the event of an accident in your workplace that could have been hitherto avoided by wearing ear defenders, your company’s reputation may be tarnished and other companies are less likely to do business with you as a result. Providing ear defenders and all required PPEs for your employees will make those reputation-damaging accidents less likely.

Then again, procuring ear defenders for your employees do not suffice. You must organise trainings and workshops on how to properly use and maintain the defenders. Furthermore, you must regularly inspect the defenders for change in shape and reduced performance.

Adequate workplace protection is non-negotiable, and now more than ever, you must rise up to this challenge and ensure that every single person in your company is protected against all forms of noise hazards. If you don’t protect employees in your workplace and ensure their safety, no one else will. It is your OBLIGATION and a necessity for every company serious about doing business in the 21st century. Including yours.

About the author

Precious Marho is a freelance writer specialising in occupational health, safety and oil and gas.