Types & Effects of Deafness
Industrial Deafness is when a person working at their regular job is exposed to extreme noise over time and as a result loses at least 5% of their hearing. It can affect one or both ears. It can also come about due to a traumatically loud noise event on the job instead of gradually over time. Industrial Deafness often affects the higher frequencies of hearing first, and may be accompanied by Tinnitus.?
| Contents |
[Edit]1 Causes of Industrial Deafness
One of the factors noticed in the shift of much of American industry from an agricultural foundation to a production foundation during the 20th century was the increase in noise levels.
While farming machinery could produce noise output at a sometimes impressive level, that was nothing compared to the levels of noise American workers began to experience as many industries began using even larger, more powerful machines in their production factories.
As the machines got bigger and worked faster, they also got LOUDER. The term coined to describe this phenomena was 'Industrial Noise'.
Not surprising, over time the high levels of Industrial Noise that Americans were putting up with on their jobs led to another new phenomena: 'Industrial Deafness'.
Workers in these factories actually began losing their hearing after being subjected to such regular exposure to the high level of noise in their working environment.
[Edit]2 Preventing Industrial Deafness
Even a low noise experienced for many hours (such as a tractor) can cause industrial deafness over time. Industrial deafness can be prevented by minimising an individual's exposure to noise. This may entail
- wearing safety rated ear plugs and/or ear muffs,
- minimising time spent around noisy machinery by splitting job requirements,
- installation of sound proofing around particularly noisy environments,
- modification of environments to prevent echoing.
Many industries now recognize the danger of Industrial Noise, and so provide programs to raise awareness among their employees about protecting their hearing. Companies that fail to do this leave themselves open to be sued for Worker's Compensation later due to Industrial Deafness.
[Edit]3 Compensation For Losing Their Hearing On The Job?
In the United States, loss of 5% or more of binaural hearing entitles a worker to compensation as a result of Industrial Deafness. This loss of hearing has to have come about during the performance of the person's regular duties on the job, and they must still work there or have worked there within the past six months of filing their claim. They would have to get a hearing test to demonstrate the loss in their hearing as well. There are also programs to aid the worker in getting hearing aids and assistive listening devices so that they can continue their career and not suffer a setback due to the disability.
