Noise and Hearing lost prevention

"In the United States, hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition after high blood pressure and arthritis. Not surprisingly, hearing loss is among the most common work-related illnesses. Workers are faced with occupational noise hazards every day. This page provides guidelines and recommendations for employers and workers to help reduce risks from noise exposure in the workplace.

 Did you know that within every industry sector, there are workers at risk for work-related hearing loss?

Why is prevention important?

• Almost all work-related hearing loss is permanent, and it can have a profound impact on quality of life.
• As hearing loss worsens, hearing and understanding others becomes increasingly difficult, which can lead to isolation.
• Hearing loss is associated with cognitive (mental) decline and heart problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Hearing loss is also strongly associated with depression.
• Hearing loss can lead to loss of enjoyment, when all the sounds we want to hear (e.g., music, voice of loved one) become muted and lack quality.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), which often occurs along with hearing loss, can disrupt sleep and concentration and is associated with both depression and anxiety.
• Hearing loss can impact safety at home and on the job.
• Income is typically lower among workers with hearing loss, than among workers with normal hearing..."
  Loud noise and hearing

Loud Noises Damage Hearing

"Loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss. And once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. Hearing loss is costly. The cost for the first year of hearing loss treatment in older adults is projected to increase more than 500% from $8 billion in 2002 to an estimated $51 billion in 2030. Hearing loss from loud noise can be prevented. About 70% of people exposed to loud noise never or seldom wear hearing protection.

CDC supports the World Health Organization's World Hearing Day, an annual event held on March 3rd. World Hearing Day was designated at the First International Conference on Prevention and Rehabilitation of Hearing Impairment in Beijing, China in 2007. The day aims to raise awareness and promote ear and hearing care across the world..."
Noise and hearing

Protect your hearing

"Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common work-related illness in the United States. Each year, an estimated 22 million U.S. workers encounter noise exposures loud enough to be potentially hazardous. In addition to damaging workers' quality of life, occupational hearing loss can carry a high economic price to society..."
Hearing safety