When examining the multiple factors that go into your career choice, we bet that your continued hearing health is fairly low on the priority list—if it’s there at all. We understand.
And while we don’t think that your ability to hear in the future should dictate your career choice, we do think you should be mindful of the risk—so that you can utilize proper hearing protection and adhere to the best habits to conserve your hearing.
As reported by the CDC, work-related hearing loss is one of the most prevalent work-related health problems in the US. Twenty-two million workers are subjected to detrimental noise levels on the job, and an estimated $242 million is spent annually on worker’s compensation for hearing loss.
So this isn’t a minimal problem; the personal and social consequences are tremendous.
If you decide to pursue one of the following eight careers—or currently work in one—take additional precaution to safeguard your hearing.
Here are 8 of the loudest industries.
1. Military – Virtually all firearms can create 140 decibels (dB) of noise. This is substantially above the safe limit of 85 dB, and has the potential to produce instantaneous and irreversible hearing damage. Explosions and other sounds of combat add to the danger. This is why hearing loss and other hearing complications represent the most widespread injuries for veterans.
2. Music – Live shows can reach over 110 decibels, exposing performers to hours of continually harmful noise. That explains why research has revealed that musicians are four times more likely to experience noise-induced hearing loss—and 57 percent more likely to suffer from tinnitus—than other people.
3. Manufacturing – According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hearing loss is the most regularly documented work-related ailment in manufacturing. Manufacturing equipment can reach decibel levels of well over 100.
4. Carpentry – As with manufacturing, carpenters use machinery that can reach dangerous decibel levels. A power saw alone can reach 110 dB.
5. Aviation – A jet take-off at 25 meters registers at around 140-150 decibels. The decibel level decreases as distance increases, but aircraft pilots and airport workers should protect against the noise.
6. Emergency Response – Ambulance and fire engine sirens can generate decibel levels of over 130. In fact, a group of firefighters has recently taken legal action against a siren manufacturer after suffering from hearing loss on the job.
7. Farming – Some tractors and farming equipment can reach well over 100 decibels. Agricultural workers are advised to keep machinery running smoothly, to take regular breaks from the noise, and to use hearing protection.
8. Racing – The noise of a single race car can reach over 120 decibels, and a race in full action can reach 140. Participants, fans, and employees at racing events are all at risk for developing hearing loss.
Keep in mind, sustained exposure to any noise above 85 decibels heightens your risk for developing hearing loss. If you find yourself in a high-volume occupation, take these three safety measures (if you can’t avoid the source of the noise):
- Increase your distance from the sound source when possible
- Take periodic rest breaks from the sound to limit time of exposure
- Use custom earplugs to limit volume
Taking these three easy steps (especially # 3) will allow you to pursue the career of your choosing without needing to give up your ability to hear later in life—because wearing earplugs now beats wearing hearing aids later.