How can you prevent hearing loss in the workplace?

Noise is one of the most common preventable causes of hearing loss, and much workplace hearing damage builds up gradually over years before it is noticed. The encouraging part is that noise-related hearing loss is largely preventable when the right steps are taken, both by employers and by individual workers. In Australia, managing noise at work is also a legal responsibility under work health and safety laws.

How loud is too loud at work?

As a general guide, the risk to hearing rises as noise gets louder and exposure lasts longer. Under Australian workplace standards, action is generally required when average noise exposure reaches around 85 decibels over an eight-hour day, or when there are loud peak sounds. Practical warning signs that noise may be a problem include needing to raise your voice to be heard by someone an arm's length away, or having ringing in your ears after a shift.

What can employers do?

Under the "hierarchy of control", the most effective measures tackle noise at the source rather than relying on the worker alone. Employers can:

• Eliminate or replace noisy equipment where possible
• Use engineering controls such as barriers, enclosures and maintenance to reduce noise
• Organise work to limit time spent in noisy areas and rotate tasks
• Provide suitable hearing protection and training
• Arrange regular audiometric (hearing) testing for exposed workers

What can you do as a worker?

Alongside your employer's measures, there is plenty you can do to protect your own hearing:

• Wear earplugs or earmuffs correctly whenever you are in noisy areas
• Make sure protection fits well and is worn for the whole time you are exposed
• Take breaks away from noise where you can
• Keep the volume down on any personal audio during breaks
• Report faulty or excessively noisy equipment

Using hearing protection consistently matters more than the type you choose, as even brief unprotected exposure adds up.

Does hearing protection off the job matter too?

Hearing damage from noise is cumulative, which means exposure adds up across both work and leisure. If you already spend part of your day in a noisy workplace, loud hobbies can stack extra risk on top. It is worth applying the same care away from the job, for example when using power tools or a lawnmower at home, attending concerts or motorsport, or riding a motorbike. Simple, well-fitting earplugs are inexpensive and easy to keep handy. Being mindful of personal audio is also sensible: a good rule of thumb is to keep the volume at a comfortable level where you can still hear someone speaking nearby, and to give your ears quiet recovery time after loud events.

Why regular hearing checks matter

Because noise-related hearing loss develops slowly and painlessly, regular hearing checks are one of the best ways to catch changes early, before they significantly affect your life. Baseline and follow-up tests can show whether your hearing is holding steady over time. If hearing loss is work-related, WorkCover Queensland may be relevant, and an audiologist can explain the process. At Hearing Help in Newport, near the Redcliffe Peninsula, you can book a comprehensive hearing assessment without a referral to monitor and help protect your hearing throughout your working life.