Hearing Protection: Why You Should Take Noise Seriously

Hearing loss may not top your list of workplace health concerns, but it is an ever-present danger. That’s why hearing protection isn’t a suggestion—it’s a critical safety barrier. Whether you work in manufacturing, construction, or any environment with loud or harmful sound sources, from DJs to dump truck drivers, this guide is designed to help you safeguard your hearing before it’s too late.

Think your workplace isn’t loud enough to wreck your ears? Think again.

Noise exposure is sneakier than you’d expect. It doesn’t knock down walls, it just slowly chips away at your hearing until it’s gone. It can result from a wide range of sources:

• Heavy machinery, such as drills, presses, or conveyors.
• Loud tools like jackhammers or chainsaws.
• Environmental noise in construction zones or manufacturing floors.
• Entertainment and event production equipment, such as speakers or amplifiers.

If it’s louder than your grandma yelling from the kitchen, it might be dangerous.

Here’s how decibels stack up:

• Normal convo? Around 60 dB.
• Lawnmower-level loud? Roughly 90 dB.
• Rock concert madness? Try 120 dB and up.

Prolonged exposure above 85 dB can mess up your hearing, permanently. No rewinds, no do-overs.

The sneaky part? You might not even notice your hearing fading until it’s already gone.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Can’t hear people clearly in noisy spots? Red flag.
• Cranking up the volume more than usual? Yup, another sign.
• Got a mystery ring or buzz in your ears? That’s tinnitus.
• Feel like everyone around you suddenly started mumbling? It’s not them, it’s your ears.

Hearing conservation is a team effort, not a solo mission.

What employers should be doing:

• Measure noise levels like their workers’ ears depend on it, because they do.
• Hand out earplugs, earmuffs, or whatever gets the job done.
• Turn down the volume with engineering fixes, barriers, or quieter machines.
• Offer hearing tests regularly, not just when something seems off.

And here’s what employees can do:

• Actually wear the hearing protection (don’t just let it hang around your neck).
• Speak up about loud machines or broken equipment.
• Join the trainings, stay informed, and keep your ears open, literally.
• Take quiet breaks, your ears deserve it.

If you want to keep your hearing intact, start protecting it now.

Here’s your action plan:

• PPE: Use earplugs or earmuffs that fit and filter out the noise. No half measures.
• Engineering Controls: Keep machines maintained, use barriers, swap in quieter tools.
• Administrative Controls: Rotate shifts, limit noise exposure time, and schedule smarter.
• Conservation Programs: Get into those company programs. They’re made to help.
• Smart Off-the-Clock Habits: Protect your ears at concerts, games, or even mowing the lawn. It all adds up.

Bonus tip, PPE is your ear’s bestie. Are you wearing yours right?

Before you dive into advanced hearing strategies, make sure your basics are locked down. Our PPE: Are You Covered Training Course is the perfect tag team to your hearing protection game. Don’t just wear it, wear it right.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Protection

What is the OSHA noise exposure limit?

OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for noise is 90 decibels (dBA) averaged over an 8-hour workday. However, employers must implement a hearing conservation program when noise exposure reaches or exceeds 85 dBA over an 8-hour period.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is often described as a ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in the ears or head. It is a common symptom of noise-induced hearing loss. If you experience tinnitus after work, it is a sign that your ears were overexposed and you need better hearing protection.

What is the difference between earplugs and earmuffs?

Earplugs are worn in the ear canal and offer excellent protection if they fit correctly. Earmuffs cover the entire outer ear and are often easier to wear and remove quickly. For extremely loud environments, wearing both (double protection) provides the highest level of noise reduction.

Expand your knowledge with hearing conservation training.

This course provides an introduction to hearing conservation, but there’s more to learn. For a deeper understanding of workplace noise risks and advanced protection strategies, consider enrolling in our Advanced Hearing Protection and Noise Management Training Course.

References

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Occupational Noise Exposure Guidelines
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Hearing Health and Safety