Repeated exposure to loud noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss, next to aging. Certain professions can put a person more at risk, including logging.
How Loud Noise Can Damage Your Hearing
Regular exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) may cause noise-induced hearing loss. The louder the noise, the less time it takes for hearing loss to occur.
Loud noises can damage the hair cells of the inner ear, causing the cells to die. Once this occurs, they cannot be repaired. Enough damage will cause permanent hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Prevalent in Forestry and Logging Industry
A study published in 2017 sought to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss among workers within the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (AFFH) sector. Researchers looked at audiograms from 1.4 million workers taken between 2003 to 2012. They found that workers in the forestry sub-sectors had the highest rates of hearing loss. Specifically:
- Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products: 36% had hearing loss
- Timber Tract Operations: 22% had hearing loss
Activities such as using chainsaws and unlatching cables used to move and hold logs are some of the noises loggers are exposed to that regularly exceed 85 dB and can put their hearing at risk.
How Loggers Can Protect Their Ears
The industry can take steps to reduce noise exposure for their workers by doing things like:
- Reducing exposure time for those operating loud equipment
- Installing silencers and mufflers
- Perform regular maintenance of all equipment
- Ensure their workers consistently wear well-fitted hearing protection whenever they are around loud noises
- Have workers undergo regular hearing screenings to test for changes
Noticing the Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a gradual and progressive condition. Many people can go for years experiencing hearing loss before they finally seek out treatment. The earlier it’s detected and treated, the more likely it is that you can help prevent future damage. To that end, it can be helpful to be aware of the early signs of hearing loss, which include:
- Asking people to repeat themselves frequently
- Trouble understanding speech, especially in places with background noise like River & Post
- Difficulty following phone conversations
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Family and friends have commented on your hearing
Scheduling a Hearing Test
If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment for a hearing test. If your results show that you have hearing loss, your audiologist will likely recommend treatment with hearing aids.
Hearing aids can help you enjoy the sounds you want to hear and also benefit your physical, mental and cognitive health.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact The McCoy Institute today.
