Frequently Asked Questions

Workplace hearing loss, also known as industrial hearing loss or industrial deafness, is not a sudden injury but rather a gradual one that unfolds over an extended period. This type of hearing loss typically develops due to prolonged exposure to loud noise in the work environment. It’s important to note that unlike more immediate injuries sustained at work, individuals may not realize they are experiencing workplace hearing loss until many years after their initial exposure in the workplace.

Industries where hearing protection wasn’t always mandatory put workers at a higher risk of workplace hearing loss, commonly referred to as noise-induced hearing loss. Industries such as construction, engineering, mining, manufacturing, forestry, and trucking regularly expose workers to noise levels exceeding 85dB, making them more susceptible to this type of hearing damage.

Studies have shown that specific tools can generate extremely high noise levels. Even being exposed for a short time, loud noise can damage your hearing. Tools like lawnmowers, drills, tractors, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and woodworking equipment fall into this category.

Sound is measured in units known as decibels (dB). Sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA), even with extended exposure, are unlikely to result in hearing loss. However, prolonged exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can lead to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Louder sounds require less exposure time to cause damage. Here are some dBA ratings for your reference: 

Normal conversation: 60-70 dBA

Lawnmower: 80 to 100 dBA

Motorcycle: 95 to 110 dBA

Chainsaw: 104 dBA

Hammer Drill: 116 dBA

Workplace Hearing Loss (WPHL) and age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, differ in their origins and impacts.

• Origin:
  • WPHL: Results from prolonged exposure to loud noises in the workplace, such as machinery or tools, causing damage to the inner ear over time.
  • Age-Related Hearing Loss: A natural part of aging, where the inner ear structures gradually degenerate, impacting overall hearing ability.
• Cause:
  • WPHL: Caused by exposure to loud noise, such as working with high-powered tools. This is a gradual process that happens over time rather than suddenly. 
  • Age-Related Hearing Loss: Linked to the aging process and the cumulative effects of wear and tear on the delicate structures of the inner ear.
• Similarities Once Affected:
  • Both conditions can lead to difficulty hearing certain sounds, especially high-pitched tones.
  • Individuals affected by either condition may find it challenging to follow conversations, particularly in noisy environments.
  • It is important to preserve hearing because it can’t be restored

Bеgin by taking our frее onlinе hеaring tеst, it’s easy and only takes 3 minutes, followed by a call with onе of our friеndly agеnts who will providе furthеr guidancе.

Thе National Institutе for Occupational Safеty on Dеafnеss and othеr Communication Disordеrs (NIDCD) еstimatеs that approximately 22 million Amеricans arе affеctеd by industrial dеafnеss.

You may have workplace hearing loss if you experience symptoms such as difficulty understanding phone conversations, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the TV volume higher than usual, or having trouble following conversations in places such as restaurants, schools or social gatherings.

Industries with higher risks of hearing loss include mining, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, painting on a construction site, bakers and mechanical work due to the high noise levels commonly found in these work environments​​. In fact, any job where you have to raise your voice to communicate with a colleague could cause workplace hearing loss.

The free hearing test typically involves attending a local centre where your hearing levels are tested by a qualified audiologist. This helps to determine if you have hearing loss and to what extent, which is the first step in finding out if you qualify for workplace hearing loss entitlements​​.

If you’ve worked in a noisy environment and have hearing loss, we can help. Talk to one of our hearing advisors via live chat, phone, email, or our contact form to discuss your specific situation and find out if you’re eligible.

If you have a question that isn’t covered, reach out to our friendly team via live chat. We’re here to help with any additional questions you may have.