6 Noise Protection Tips for Workers

Ensuring that we are functioning at our optimum in our working environment is not just about making sure we get our work done but making sure that we are preventing health issues in the process! Some work environments have considerable noise, for example, construction sites. But even if you work in an office, you might find yourself susceptible to external noise that could cause issues over time. If you do not take the relevant steps to protect your hearing now, you could end up experiencing noise-induced hearing loss. This is why it’s crucial to remember that you can protect your hearing. So how can you do this? Here are six key noise protection tips.

Invest in Noise Protection Products

If you work in a noisy environment, your employer should provide you with adequate noise protection relating to the environment. Every business has its own strict health and safety protocols, and it’s important for you to ensure you are aware of what they are and if your employer is providing everything possible to protect your hearing. When in doubt, if do not you do not feel that your employers provide you with adequate protection, you should speak to your employer and raise any doubts. Additionally, wearing premium quality earplugs will look after your hearing. 

Avoid Taking Medication If You Don’t Need To

Many people in excessively loud environments can find that headaches are more commonplace, but in order to look after your hearing, you should only take medication as directed. Pain medication is a common solution for many; however, a study has found that some commonly used painkillers could increase the risk of hearing loss. While more research needs to be done on this, it is a lesson in making sure that you address the cause, rather than medicating the issue. 

Avoid Putting Anything In Your Ear Canal

If you use earplugs to protect your hearing, be careful to not insert them too far into your ear canal. Many people feel that they need to protect their hearing, and this means cleaning out their ear canals. Earwax is a natural way of protecting your ear canal, and if you find yourself using cotton swabs to dig out excessive earwax, you may be pushing the wax further in and could contribute to hearing damage by puncturing your eardrum. If you are concerned about your hearing, you should always book an appointment with an audiologist so you can check your hearing levels and make the appropriate recommendations. 

Avoid Loud Environments Where You Can

Naturally, you are not able to do this in a construction environment, however, if you can take regular breaks away from the environment, you are giving your hearing a fighting chance. Prolonged exposure to loud noise will, over time, cause noise-induced hearing damage. It’s impossible to recover your hearing once it has been damaged. 

Manage Your Stress

If you experience symptoms of tinnitus, such as ringing in the ears, hissing or buzzing, this can be due to excessive stress or anxiety. Managing your stress is crucial, especially in environments with excessive noise, because you can feel that you are overwhelming your senses. In order to protect your hearing from symptoms of tinnitus, learning how to relax can mitigate the symptoms of tinnitus. 

Have Regular Check-Ups

Naturally, it is crucial to be in the habit of checking your hearing on a regular basis. Many people do not do this, thinking that they are too young to experience hearing issues, but the reality is that most people can experience hearing problems from early on in life. This is due to not having the appropriate protection. 

Having regular check-ups with an audiologist ensures you are giving your hearing the best possible chance to thrive in these environments. If you work in an environment with excessive noise, looking after your hearing is so important. However, many people feel self-conscious about wearing earplugs or large earmuffs. But the reality is that there are numerous noise protection methods that are discreet and even if you do not feel you need to wear these devices, ensuring that your hearing is at its optimum is going to give you peace of mind. 

If you have any concerns about the impacts your work environment is having on your ears, you can get in contact with Flynn Associates and book an appointment with an audiologist. You can contact us at Concord: (978) 759-3540 or Wellesley: (781) 943-5040 and we will be more than happy to help.