Although the vast majority of hearing loss is down to old age, a significant number of younger people experience hearing problems as a result of damage to their ears. This can be caused by a number of factors but the most common is repeated exposure to loud noise which ultimately damages the sensitive hair cells in the cochlea.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 17,000 people in the UK suffer deafness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or other ear conditions caused by excessive noise at work. This figure is particularly alarming because so many of these distressing hearing problems could be prevented.
In a bid to tackle the problem, the HSE introduced The Control of Noise at Work Regulations in 2006 (2008 for the music and entertainment sectors) to ensure that workers’ hearing is protected from excessive noise in the workplace. The regulations state that employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones when the level of noise is 85 decibels (daily or weekly average exposure). The level at which employers must assess the risk to workers’ health and provide them with information and training is now 80 decibels.
To put this in context, the noise level in a quiet room at night is 20 decibels (dB); ordinary spoken conversation is 60dB; shouting is 80dB and a pneumatic drill nearby 110dB. The level at which noise causes pain for the majority of people is 120dB.
These figures can occasionally be misconstrued, as dB levels are not a linear measurement; what this means is that for every additional 3 dBs of sound, the potential damage to your ears doubles.
Of course, it is not just in the work environment where people are exposed to high levels of noise. Many hobbies and recreational pursuits can also result in potentially damaging levels. Musicians, nightclubbers, motor racing enthusiasts and members of shooting clubs are all are at high risk of permanently damaging their hearing. Regularly listening to loud music – particularly through headphones – also presents a high risk.
The 60:60 rule should be adopted, whereby music should only be listened to at 60% of the maximum volume, for a maximum of 60 minutes.
Fortunately, there are a number of products available which decrease the intensity, or loudness, of noise and so help protect people’s hearing. These include bespoke ear plugs and monitoring systems for musicians which not only provide the user with a perfectly balanced sound but also act as protection against high levels of noise. On average a monitoring system can reduce stage volume levels by about 25dB.
For those who don’t need to hear the noises they are making e.g. gun enthusiasts, there are a wide variety of custom-made ear plugs with in-built electronic noise suppressors available, which give the highest level of protection.
For those who need to communicate whilst exposed to loud noise e.g. construction workers, motor sport participants etc. there are a number of options available which feature hearing protection and built in communication systems. 
According to the charity Action on Hearing Loss, it takes on average 10 years for people to address their hearing concerns. Education is therefore key, not only in encouraging people to prevent problems occurring in the first place, but to seek professional help as soon as they suspect they may have an issue.
If you are concerned about your hearing health and believe you could benefit from impartial, professional advice, contact Hearing Healthcare Centre today and speak to one of our experts.
