Should I Be Wearing Hearing Protection?

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a preventable type of inner ear hearing loss that affects approximately 5% of the world’s population (1). According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workers are recommended to wear hearing protection for workplace noise exposure levels equaling 85 dBA and it is mandatory to wear it when noise exceeds 85 dBA calculated over an 8-hour shift (2,3). The consequences of NIHL can include symptoms of tinnitus and hyperacusis (refer to other posts for more information) and can significantly impact one’s quality of life. This post will explore more about NIHL and the appropriate hearing protection and conservation measures that are important to consider to help mitigate its effects.

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