When we think about workplace health hazards, we don’t immediately think about noise. But a loud job can cause serious hearing loss, with 22 million workers exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in the United States, with noise-induced hearing loss affecting about 40 million adults aged 20-69. Because of this, workplaces with high noise levels are required to take steps to ensure that employees have adequate hearing protection.

Noise Standards

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). Damage to the sensitive inner ear cells that allow your brain to detect sounds requires fewer dBs than you’d think: a normal conversation is about 60 dB, and even noise above 70dB can cause hearing damage over a prolonged period. Noise above 120 dB can damage your hearing immediately.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires employers to institute a hearing conservation program when workers are exposed to noise at or above 85 dB over 8 working hours. Industries such as construction, which has a 90 dB requirement, may utilize different guidelines. 

Testing Your Workplace

Is your workplace too loud? A noisy workplace may be damaging if you:

• Have to shout to be heard by someone an arm’s length (about 3 feet) away
• Hear ringing or humming in your ears after work
• Have temporary hearing loss when leaving work

Many common pieces of equipment or workplace settings have noise levels at or above OSHA’s 85 dB guideline.

• 85-90 dB: Push lawnmowers; smoke alarms; welding machines; grinders; equipment with an insulated cab
• 90-95 dB: Riding lawnmowers; circular sanders; planers
• 95-100 dB: Hand drills; jackhammers; leaf blowers; trimmers and edgers
• 100-105 dB: Bulldozers; cranes; air grinders; concrete chippers; sporting events
• 105-110 dB: Loud entertainment venues; chainsaws
• 110 dB: Arc gouging
• 120 dB: Sirens, when standing beside or near
• 140-150 dB: Firecrackers
• 150 to 175 dB: Fireworks

Hearing Conservation Programs

OSHA hearing conservation programs require workplaces to monitor noise levels and provide hearing protection to employees at risk of hearing loss from workplace noise.

• Employers must monitor all employees’ noise exposure levels to identify workers who meet OSHA’s “85 dB over 8 hours” baseline for potential hearing loss
• Employers must establish and maintain an audiometric testing program for regular hearing tests, provided at no cost to employees exposed to OSHA’s baseline noise level
• Employers must provide hearing protection to all workers in conditions meeting OSHA’s baseline noise level, with a selection of at least one variety of ear plug and one variety of ear muff
• Employers must train employees in the health effects of noise; the necessity of audiometric testing; the differences in types of hearing protection; and the selection, fit, and maintenance of hearing protection

These safeguards are necessary at any job with potentially harmful levels of noise. While we think of industrial occupations and heavy machinery first when we think of noisy jobs, loud settings like entertainment and nightlife venues can damage your hearing as well. Careful testing and regular monitoring will protect everyone.