Axcess Industries realizes that hearing loss due to loud noise levels is a very real and dangerous thing. Consider industrial hearing loss to be repeated trauma. Noise induced hearing loss is caused by repeated exposure to lout noise over time. The deterioration in hearing is gradual and may go unnoticed by workers until they start having difficulty communicating with other or find it hard to hear warning devices. At that point, significant permanent hearing loss has developed. Noise induced hearing loss is preventable. But once it is acquired, it is permanent and irreversible.
In shipyard the nature of the work and characteristics of the materials used often result in an extremely noisy environment. For example, use of pneumatic or impact tools on large, often hollow metal sub-assemblies, hull sections, or in small, enclosed areas, produce high levels of noise.
SafetyEd want to make sure that you know what works best to prevent hearing loss. This is the consistent use of hearing protectors. A variety of hearing protectors should be made available to workers and they should be individually fitted with a hearing protector that is most comfortable to wear consistently. It has been shown that when workers are given an option about the type of protector to wear, they are more likely to use them. Some workers prefer the disposable foam plugs which expand in the ear to provide a snug custom fit. Others prefer the pre-molded flexible plug that comes in different sizes and must be individually sized to each ear. Some of these have a cord attached to them so it does not get lost. Some workers may prefer earmuffs. For very lout noises, workers may be required to wear muffs and plugs together for additional hearing protection. Of most importance, the hearing protector must be the right type of protector for reach worker and the noise environment they are working in. Workers may be initially concerned that they may not be able to hear conversation, and even more so, machinery and warning sounds. That is why training on haring protectors is so important. At training, many myths about hearing protectors will be dispelled. Workers will learn how to fit hearing protectors properly and may find that they hear better with the protectors in if hey have normal hearing. Workers who have some hearing loss may find it more difficult to hear with conventional protectors, but there are specific protectors made for these situations that should be made available to them.