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Noise is a threat to hearing but noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. Adelaide Hearing Consultants Audiologists can provide workplace training, on-site hearing tests and individually-moulded noise-excluding earplugs to workers in noisy industries. We also offer advice to employers on supporting hearing-impaired people in the workplace.

People frequently exposed to high levels of noise should have a hearing test every year, even if they wear hearing protection. These regular tests check that the hearing protection is effective, or show if there is excessive exposure and a need to increase the amount of protection.

Individually-Moulded Earplugs For People Working in Noise

Individually-moulded plugs are more effective, more hygienic and more comfortable than foam plugs and they fit better than earmuffs with other safety gear (hard hats, goggles).

When earplugs are worn correctly, the wearer should not experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing loss after noise exposure. If either of these symptoms are experienced, the fit or the amount of protection is inadequate and an appointment should be made with the audiologist.

When exposed to excessively high levels of noise, e.g. shooting or using tools such as angle-grinders, earmuffs might still be needed.

Individually-Moulded Earplugs For Musicians

Musicians and other members of the music industry understand how precious hearing is. Protect your hearing while rehearsing, playing, recording or listening to live music.

Compacted foam plugs cut out TOO MUCH sound, particularly the treble sounds, resulting in music sounding muffled or distorted. Such generic plugs do not fit every ear so they can be hard to insert or are uncomfortable to use for long periods.

Musician’s earplugs:

Come in different ‘grades’ so they can be selected to attenuate (reduce) only as much noise as you need
Do not cut out the higher frequencies as much as conventional earplugs
Are moulded to your own ear shape so are comfortable to wear
Have less of an effect upon the sound of your own voice than do conventional plugs

Musicians should wear Musician’s earplugs whenever they are exposed to potentially hazardous noise levels; at band rehearsals and performances, or attending live performances or nightclubs.

Our Audiologists can test hearing and provide individually-moulded earplugs for DJs, band members, sound crews, recording engineers, orchestral musicians, and anyone else who needs to protect their hearing while working in or attending concerts or night clubs.In-ear-monitors (with moulded plugs) are also available.

Individually-Moulded Plugs for Other Uses

Swim-plugs
iPod/iPhone earbuds
Ear-level bluetooth telephone receivers

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How much noise is too much?

This rating is a guide and does not display exact sound intensity levels. As a general rule, noise levels greater than 85 dB cause noise damage to the auditory system after less exposure time.

Who is most at risk?

Some groups are at higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Risky industries include farming, manufacture, mining, construction and the military. Some recreational activities can also result in hearing impairment. Susceptible groups include musicians, sound technicians and roadies; DJs, bouncers and bar staff in night clubs; aerobics instructors; orchestral musicians; racing car drivers, motorcycle riders and pit crews. www.safework.sa.gov.au

Farming

Farmers are often self-employed and are at high risk for workplace injuries and accidents. Sources of hazardous noise in farming include tractors, headers and other machinery; angle-grinders and other power tools; chainsaws and firearms; piggeries.

Manufacturing Industry

Many factories have high noise levels, both because of noisy machinery and because of large, reverberant areas which amplify the machinery noise. Metal stamping and grinding are amongst the most hazardous – ‘boiler-maker’s deafness’ is an old term for industrial hearing loss. Many process workers spend hours of the day exposed to high levels of noise. At the end of the day their ears are ‘numb’ and ringing.

Mining

Blasting, pneumatic drilling, digging, smelting etc. all generate high levels of noise for people working in the vicinity. You need not be the person operating the equipment to be exposed to excessive noise levels – sound carries; indoors, it reverberates and is amplified.

Construction

Construction sites are hazardous for many reasons, hence the need for advisory signs about wearing safety boots, hard hats, safety glasses and hearing protection. The noise experienced by workers from ten different building and construction trades during their working day was measured. 79% of these workers were exposed to dangerous ‘doses’ of noise. They were exposed, on average, to more than six times the safe noise dose.

Military

Training in and use of firearms and explosives exposes military personnel to hazardous impact noise. Travel in helicopters, tanks and submarines adds to the noise dose.

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A program of Hearing Conservation in the Workplace includes the following:

Workplace Training – training for workers can include information about the hearing mechanism, how to recognise potentially hazardous noise, the signs of early damage to the hearing mechanism, the importance of hearing protection, and the effects of hearing loss upon communication and quality of life.
Noise Measurement – identifies workers and/or work areas which are particularly noisy so that administrative and other procedures can be implemented to reduce exposure
Baseline and Monitoring Hearing Tests – to describe workers’ hearing prior to exposure and to identify early hearing loss and improve hearing protection measures
Recommend and Fit Hearing Protection – the best hearing protection is not necessarily the one which excludes the most noise. We can help workers to select protective devices which suit their work environment, the noise level, their communication needs, budget and personal preferences. Special devices are available for shooters and musicians.
Workplace support – advice to employers and workmates on supporting the hearing-impaired person in the workplace
Hearing Rehabilitation – workers with hearing impairment may need hearing rehabilitation services, including hearing aids and other listening devices.
Tinnitus Therapy – to help the person to reduce their attention to their tinnitus and reduce its impact upon their life.

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