When we think about dangerous or risky jobs, we do not usually classify them that way based on their impact on our hearing. But any job that continually exposes us to noise levels greater than 85 decibels (dB) can damage our hearing. In this post we explain What are the professions with the highest risk of hearing loss?.
There are several lists focused on pointing out those jobs that are most at risk for our hearing. This is the case of the portal Health24.com or from the web Medicaldally.com. In both cases there are many coincidences. Thus, based on the fact that any loud, isolated, sudden and/or repeated sound can cause hearing loss, we could develop the following list of the ten professions with the highest risk of hearing loss:
- Airport ground control personnel. The reason is obvious: the noise of airplanes when taking off and landing can exceed 140 decibels (dB).
- Hunters. Hunting activity can involve exposure to noise of more than 140 decibels. For this reason, UMusic has systems of Special hearing protection for hunting.
- Formula drivers. Driving racing cars also requires the use of special hearing protectors, as the sound exceeds 135 dB. To protect itself from this excess of decibels, UMusic has different hearing protector models. In this case, these are models designed so that they do not interfere when the protective helmet must also be worn.
- Miners. The machinery used in this work can reach 130 dB.
- Carpenters. Using nail guns or rotary drills can expose employees to 120 dB.
- Construction workers. Also in this profession the machinery is usually very noisy. A pneumatic hammer is a good example, as it can exceed 120 dB.
- Musicians. The continuous tests expose these specialists to sounds that can exceed 115 decibels. In this category we would include DJs and employees of nightclubs and music bars. The best way to dampen this overexposure to loud sounds is to use special hearing protectors for musicianswhich reduce the final impact by between 15 and 25 decibels.
- Kindergarten teachers. A profession that involves dealing with noise levels above 85 dB on a daily basis. The cries, screams and games of the little ones are the reason.
- Hairdressing professionals. The constant use of hair dryer It is the main risk factor, since this utensil can register up to 85 dB.
What types of hearing protection are there?
The current labor legislation in Spain obliges companies to provide acoustic protection to its employees when the environment in which they operate registers an index greater than the aforementioned 85 dB. In this sense, a auditory protector designed for the industrial sector provides a average attenuation of 30 dB intensity, as long as it is used continuously for at least 8 hours per work day. Technological innovation in these hearing protection systems has also been of great help in reducing the rate of hearing loss at work. Since the protectors with acoustic filters those who incorporate headphones To facilitate communication with other colleagues, the roster is extensive and varied.
