How do you know if you are exposed to unsafe noise at work?

How to recognise the risks of industrial deafness or hearing problems

Some basic guidelines on possible noise levels in the workplace:

If an you / an employee has to shout to a colleague who is at a distance of about 2 metres in order to be heard then the noise level is likely to be about 85 decibels. 

Similarly, if you have to shout to make yourself heard to a colleague who is 1 metre away from you the background noise is likely to be 90 decibels. 

Ordinary hand held power tools such as grinders, impact guns, and wrenches generally cause noise levels above 90 decibels.  

Hearing loss caused by noise at work is usually measured by a hearing specialist at a hospital on an audiogram. The hospital specialist carries out a hearing test, and the result of the hearing test is recorded on an audiogram. 

An experienced hospital specialist, such as an ENT surgeon will read the audiogram, and advise whether it indicates hearing loss caused by noise at work. 

The hospital specialist when reviewing the audiogram is looking for high frequency sensorineural hearing loss of a sufficient degree to enable him to be able to advise that it is the result of damage caused by high noise levels at work. 

Generally, if the noise at work has caused sensorineural hearing loss it is also likely to be the cause of any tinnitus.   

It may be possible to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit if the hearing loss was caused by noise at work.  This benefit is dealt with by Jobcentre Plus.  There are conditions that determine whether an applicant is eligible for the benefit, and the scheme requires the applicant to attend a hearing test.  Read our hearing loss case study

NEWS:

Music teachers ordered to wear earmuffs. Teachers in the UK have been warned to wear earmuffs or stand behind noise screens to protect their hearing. This is apparently because beginners tend to thrash away and make far more noise than would otherwise be the case. The HSE have set levels for maximum daily exposure to sustained noise and the results may surprise people (particularly music teachers!) - 5th March 2009

Discrimination against deaf person who needed an assistance dog and was refused service in a restaurant received £1200 for injury and hurt feelings. The client in this case was refused food or service in a restaurant because he was accompanied by a dog specially trained to work with deaf people. The Disability Rights Commission took the case forward and won compensation for the injured party - 10th January 2009

Statistics on work-related illness and workplace injuries in Great Britain, for the period 2007/08 - 15th November 2008 

Joys Mining deafness compensation case discussed - 24th October 2008

More links:

Textile worker claims for deafness

Deafness research - British Deaf Association - HSE on noise induced hearing loss NIHL - ear protection information (HSE pdf) - MOD deafness claims