Have you worked in a noisy environment?

Prevention is the key

Noise exposure is the leading cause of preventable hearing loss in adults. Occupational noise exposure affects an estimated 10% of adults in Australia¹. Listening to sound at 85dBA for more than 8 hours may cause hearing loss. Above 85dBA, for every 3dBA increase in the noise level, the amount of time individuals can listen to the noise, with minimal risk, halves.  

For example, exposure to motorcycle noise at 95dBA presents little risk of damage provided it is limited to no more than 47 minutes². 

To reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, the World Health Organisation recommends³:

• Keep the sound level below 80dB and limit exposure to less than 40 hours weekly. 
• Utilise hearing protection or noise-cancelling headphones when in noisy environments. 
• Monitor listening levels and avoid exceeding daily noise exposure. 
• Lower volume and/or limit the use of personal music players. 
• Limit time in noisy situations or take listening breaks. 
• Have regular hearing assessments. 
• Wearing hearing aids if a hearing loss is detected.