The Cost of Workplace Hearing Loss – and How to Prevent It

The statistics on workplace hearing damage make for grim reading. Hearing Australia’s Principal Audiologist, Karen Hirschausen says “more than 1.1 million Australians are exposed to hazardous noise in their workplace. Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational diseases but it’s also one of the most preventable”.

In addition, a 2024 survey commissioned by Hearing Australia found:

• 11% of Australians report ear damage from workplace noise.
• Only one in four Australians think about their own hearing protection at work. 

This makes it essential for employers to be aware of the need for hearing loss prevention in the workplace.

The need for protection from noise-induced hearing loss

According to Safe Work Australia, the noise level experienced by workers should be less than 50 decibels (for high concentration work or exposure to lots of conversation) or 70 decibels (for having conversations in routine, fast-paced work environments). Workers must not be exposed to:

• More than 85 decibels (on average) over eight hours at work. 
• Any noise level above 140 decibels (which exposure may instantly damage hearing).

Two types of noise can impact hearing - sudden, loud impulse noises (like an explosion) and constant, loud noise (typical when working near industrial equipment). Potential damage includes temporary or permanent hearing loss, along with tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Solutions for hearing loss prevention

Ear protection expert  uvex offers an extensive range of ear protection in different sizes and designs - with fit and comfort the top priority.

• uvex earplugs protect the ears from both high and low frequency sounds. Available in different sizes, the foam plug is rolled down to fill the ear canal. This minimises the amount of noise reaching the ear drum. No two ear canals are the same, even on the same person. This makes it critical to select the right earplug for the individual, as well as the job they do.
• uvex earmuffs can be used alone, or with helmets and respiratory PPE. They are a ready-to-go, more convenient solution than ear plugs. The seal comes from the ear cup, rather than rolled foam, reducing the risk of incorrect use.

Ear protection for every worker, every industry

uvex ear plugs and muffs are suitable for industries, including:

• Food manufacturing. Blue, metal detectable ear plugs feature a small metal ball. They are easily found if lost in large batches of food.
• Construction. Tradies wear earmuffs during high frequency drill or circular saw use.
• Automotive. Ear plugs screen low frequency sounds of machinery, air pressure equipment, and the rumble of car or truck engines.
• Hospitality. Serving staff and event ushers in noisy environments wear Class 2 earplugs to reduce high frequency noise while still being able to talk.

James Dibou, uvex product manager, eyewear & hearing, says the products help protect workers, and ensure employer compliance with industrial hearing safety requirements. “Our specialist products provide the latest in hearing protection, with prevention always key. We want to educate both company and workers about the importance of finding the right product, getting the right fit, and monitoring for optimum protection.”

As Australia’s largest provider of industrial and safety equipment, Blackwoods has all your job requirements covered. Talk to your local Blackwoods Technical Safety Specialist about the uvex hearing protection range.

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