A recent report from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than one out of eight workers that experiences on-the-job noise on a regular basis suffers from some type of hearing impairment.
Researchers studied workers from 2003 to 2012. What they found is that 13 percent of workers that were routinely exposed to noise suffered with some type of hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing impairment was largest among miners (17 percent), construction workers (16 percent) and manufacturing workers (14 percent). The research also showed that men were twice as likely as women to have hearing loss, and that the risk of hearing loss increased with age.
According to statistics, work-related hearing loss is the most common of all occupational hazards in the United States. The authors of the report stated, in part, “Occupational hearing loss is a permanent but entirely preventable condition with today’s hearing loss prevention strategies and technology. Concurrent with prevention efforts, early detection of hearing loss by consistent annual audiometric testing, and intervention to preclude further loss are critical.”
The study was released to the public in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on April 22.
If you work in any job that exposes you to regular noise on a routine basis, it is important that you are taking steps to protect your hearing. Studies like this have also shown a reduction of just over 2 years in healthy life. Protecting your hearing is imperative. If your employer does not have policies or procedures in place with regards to employee hearing protection, bring it to their attention. You can also contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to discover if your workplace is in compliance with current regulations.
If you believe that you have suffered damage to your hearing as a result of your job duties, call our office. We will provide you with a free case evaluation and advise you if you have a claim for workers’ compensation in Charlotte. Call now for assistance or browse our website for information about our firm and how we can help you. Our team is here for you as you work to recover from your injuries.
