{"id":4330,"date":"2020-09-17T12:10:59","date_gmt":"2020-09-17T18:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/?p=4330"},"modified":"2021-09-02T10:57:36","modified_gmt":"2021-09-02T17:57:36","slug":"increase-in-hearing-loss-for-service-workers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/increase-in-hearing-loss-for-service-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"Increase in Hearing Loss for Service Workers"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to new research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a large number of workers in the Services sector \u2013 the largest sector in the U.S. industry \u2013 are at an elevated risk for developing hearing loss. This research was published in the International Journal of Audiology<\/em><\/a> at the end of last year.<\/p>\n

What Is Occupational Hearing Loss?\"Handy<\/h2>\n

Occupational hearing loss<\/a> is the result of exposure to hazardous noise levels or chemicals that are ototoxic.<\/p>\n

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, sounds over 85 dB can cause permanent hearing loss for those exposed over an eight-hour work day. This is because within the ears are tiny hair cells responsible for converting soundwaves into electrical energy. When unsafe sounds pass through the ears, it causes these cells to deteriorate, and once dead, they do not regenerate.<\/p>\n

What Are the Risks of Occupational Hearing Loss?<\/h2>\n

Exposure to hazardous noise is associated with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Those with occupational hearing loss are also more likely to experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears), depression and cognitive decline.<\/p>\n

Who Is Most at Risk?<\/h2>\n

The Mining, Construction and Manufacturing sectors have the highest percentages of workers exposed to hazardous noise levels. Researchers identified other sub-sectors within the Services industry that also are high-risk.<\/p>\n

According to audiograms for 1.9 million workers across all industries, including 158,436 Services workers:<\/p>\n