What is noise-induced hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the sudden or gradual loss of hearing due to exposure to loud sounds.

Loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear and the hearing nerve. Hair cells are not replaceable and do not regrow. Damaged hair cells are unable to trigger electrical signals to the brain, impeding hearing. Prolonged exposure to excessive levels of noise (such as industrial machinery, heavy traffic or even loud music) can cause noise-induced hearing loss. One-time exposure to extremely loud sounds such as explosions or gunshots can cause immediate and irreversible hearing loss.

These loud sounds cause damage to the ear structures and delicate hair cells, which play a vital role in transmitting sound waves to the brain. The most common symptom of noise-induced hearing loss is a gradual onset of high-frequency hearing loss.

The progressive nature of the damage - and the fact that it does not hurt - means many people do not notice anything is wrong until it is already quite severe.

UVEX UK's Technical Support Manager Nigel Day talks about the importance of hearing protection

What are the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss?

Having trouble hearing is the main symptom of noise-induced hearing loss. If you have any of these signs or symptoms, you may have hearing loss caused by noise:

Trouble hearing soft or faint sounds
Normal conversation and other sounds may sound muffled or unclear
Ringing or buzzing in the ears (Tinnitus)
Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds (e.g. doorbell, telephone, alarm)
Hypersensitivity to certain sounds

For help selecting the right hearing protection for your workplace noise levels contact us using our quick form:

Hearing loss is not inevitable

Contrary to popular belief, hearing loss is not inevitable. It can be prevented by identifying the exposure levels, reducing the risk of harmful noise at source or by wearing adequate and suitable hearing protection which has been backed up by support and training in the correct fitting and wearing.

What makes this workplace risk uniquely dangerous?

It is invisible and therefore, not always given the attention it deserves
Because hearing loss is progressive, it is harder to recognise
It is not widely known that hearing loss is irreversible
We adjust to noise - even excessive noise - which becomes the new norm
Hearing loss doesn't hurt
It is part of the aging process…… isn’t it?

How much noise is too much noise?

It is essential to protect our ears from harmful levels of noise, but how do we know what is a “harmful level”? The maximum periods of time a person should be exposed to harmful noise per day without hearing protection can be surprising:

85 dB

City
traffic

8 hours

88 dB

Bulldozer

4 hours

91 dB

Jazz
concert

2 hours

94 dB

Lawn
mower

1 hour

97 dB

Nightclub

30 mins

100 dB

Ambulance
siren

15 mins

103 dB

Rock
concert

7.5 mins

uvex hearing protection

uvex hearing protection solutions include innovatively shaped and extremely comfortable disposable earplugs, with patented x-grip shaping for easy and safe removal; reusable earplugs conveniently attached to a handy cord, designed to be cleaned easily and hygienically stored in individual carrying cases; detectable earplugs designed to be picked up both visually and by machines, thanks to their striking blue colour and metal ball; and highly compatible ear muffs, with soft memory foam cushions for extra comfort and lightweight, balanced designs.

uvex hi-com disposable earplugs

uvex com4-fit disposable earplugs

uvex xact-fit planet disposable earplugs

uvex whisper detec reusable earplugs

uvex K1 earmuffs

uvex K2 earmuffs

uvex pheos K2P helmet earmuffs

uvex pheos K2P magnet helmet earmuffs

Next steps

It is crucial that hearing protectors are fitted correctly and worn when they need to be otherwise we almost might as well not bother. This is where the importance of proper information, education and training is vital for wearers. uvex offers effective training packages which highlight the health benefits of protecting employees from hearing loss. Following a noise assessment, our professionals are available to guide you through the process of selecting the right hearing protection based on noise exposure levels and delivering training to ensure correct fitting for maximum protection and comfort. To find the right hearing protection for your workplace noise levels contact us using our quick form.

Explore uvex hearing protection

Download our guide (PDF)

Download our guide to the reclassification of hearing protection