$Unique_ID{BRK00586}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems, Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{A Question of Ear Protection for High Noise Levels}
$Subject{noise hearing ears workplace}
$Volume{Q-21, Q-23, F-21, F-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A Question of Ear Protection for High Noise Levels


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QUESTION:  I've just started a new job, quite different from anything I have
done before, where the noise level of machinery is very loud.  It is only a
small shop, and one of the older men who has been there for quite a while
assures me that I will soon be used to it.  I don't want to make any waves but
do you think I should be thinking of protecting my ears from the sound in some
way?

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ANSWER:  While taking the advice and counsel of a long time employee usually
makes good sense, this time you are literally asking for trouble.  The
probability is quite high that the reason this man has become "used to it" is
that his hearing is already damaged, a condition which is permanent and
without effective treatment.  The intensity of sound is measured in decibels,
the faintest sound a human ear can normally hear labeled 0 dB, while normal
speech, or the sound of a typewriter or sewing machine measuring about 60 dB.
If you must endure levels of 85 dB or above the chance of hearing lost is
there and with each increase in sound levels, the risk increases dramatically.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires a hearing test for
workers who must labor in environments which average 85 dB or more during an 8
hour work day.  If your working with shop tools, that level is about 90 dB,
while using a chainsaw or pneumatic drill puts you under a 100 dB load.  Work
at this level without protection for your ears is legally limited to but 2
hours a day.  If you must stay close to such noise for a longer period of time
each day, hearing protectors in the form of either ear plugs or earmuffs must
be provided to you without cost.  These devices, when properly fitted so that
the ear canal is totally blocked can reduce sound levels by 15 to 30 decibels,
and provide you with important protection against hearing loss.  It is not a
question of making waves in a new position, but in protecting your valuable
hearing against permanent loss.  Proceed diplomatically, but make sure you do
obtain the protection that the law provides and that your ears require.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
