Hearing loss a ‘crises’ in Canada with 43% of workers employed in noisy environments
Between 2006 and 2015, about 30,000 workers in Ontario had a noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) claim that was allowed by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). This was about a quarter of all occupational disease claims. Between 2012 and 2017, 37 per cent of NIHL claims came from the construction and manufacturing industries.
Chris Arnold has seen firsthand how noise exposure in the workplace affects Canadian workers. “Stats Canada reports that about 11 million Canadians—roughly 43% of the workforce—work in noisy environments where they have to raise their voices just to communicate,” says Arnold, President of the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario (AHIP). “That alone tells us we have a major issue on our hands.”
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a preventable but irreversible condition that affects workers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation. According to the World Health Organization, prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels—the equivalent of a busy factory floor—can lead to permanent hearing damage. Yet, in many workplaces, hearing protection remains an afterthought.
The hidden dangers of workplace noise
The effects of hearing loss extend far beyond difficulty understanding speech. “When people work in noisy environments without protection, they start losing hearing in the middle frequencies—where most speech sounds occur,” Arnold explains. “That’s when they struggle to hear certain words or consonants, even when speaking face-to-face.”
This gradual loss can lead to frustration, miscommunication, and even safety hazards. Workers who can’t hear alarms, machinery malfunctions, or verbal warnings are at a higher risk of workplace accidents. “Employers need to recognize that hearing loss isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a workplace safety issue,” Arnold emphasizes.
In addition to physical dangers, hearing loss can impact mental health. Studies link untreated hearing loss to increased rates of depression, social isolation, and even cognitive decline. The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association calls hearing loss one of the fastest-growing health crises in the country, and without proper intervention, it will continue to rise.
Solutions: Prevention and protection
Employers play a critical role in preventing hearing loss. Arnold urges safety leaders to start by assessing noise levels in the workplace. “If your work environment is above that 85-decibel threshold, it’s time to act,” he says. Noise assessments help identify hazardous areas and determine where hearing protection is necessary.
There are multiple protective solutions available, including earmuffs, foam earplugs, and custom noise filters. “Some workers worry that earplugs will block out important sounds, like alarms or co-workers’ voices,” Arnold notes. “But today’s custom noise plugs can filter out damaging noise while still allowing workers to hear essential sounds.”
For employees who already experience hearing loss, simple workplace accommodations can make a big difference. “The number one tip we give is to always speak to someone face-to-face—never cover your mouth,” Arnold advises. “Even people who don’t think they rely on lip reading actually do.” He also recommends bright lighting to improve visual cues and minimizing background noise during conversations.
Act today:
- Conduct a workplace noise assessment.
- Provide proper hearing protection for employees.
- Encourage regular hearing tests.
- Promote safe listening habits on and off the job.
Hearing is a vital sense, and once it’s lost, it’s gone for good. On this World Hearing Day, it’s time for workplaces to prioritize hearing health—not just for compliance, but for the safety and well-being of every worker.
Original Source: https://www.thesafetymag.com/ca/topics/safety-and-ppe/turn-the-volume-down-on-world-hearing-day/526822
Original Author: Shane Mercer
