Any job that regularly exposes you to loud noises can increase your risk for hearing loss. At least 15 minutes of prolonged exposure to noise above 100 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss. Once your hearing is damaged, it often cannot be restored. Here are some jobs that put you at risk for hearing loss and here’s what you can do to protect yourself:

1. Manufacturing Jobs

These jobs involve working with large and noisy machinery…sometimes in factories or other enclosed areas which makes your risk for hearing loss even higher! These jobs tend to provide shifts that exceed the eight hour work day which increases your exposure to high decibel noises.

2. Flight Staff

During takeoff, flight staff are exposed to 130 decibels of noise from the plane. Such high decibels are loud enough to rupture an eardrum.

3. Farmers

Though farmers often have vast crops and live far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, they often work with loud machinery while they farm the land. Environmental noises play a factor as well. A pig’s squeal reaches 130 decibels!

4. Ambulance Drivers and Paramedics

Ambulances are equipped with loud sirens to alert drivers that there is an emergency and they should clear the way. As paramedics and ambulance drivers zip down the road, they hear the sirens blaring in their ears.

5. Construction Workers

This should come as no surprise. Our ears hurt just by walking by construction sites. Construction workers can be around loud drills and hammers all day! How many do you see wearing hearing protective gear?

Here are some easy ways to protect your hearing while you’re on the job:

  • Wear protective gear for your ears
  • Move away from loud noises if you don’t have to be around them
  • Don’t drown out loud noises with other noises. This will only add to the noise pollution

Even if you don’t have any of these occupations and don’t plan on pursuing them, you probably know people who do. Encourage them to get their hearing tested and to be mindful of their hearing health. They will thank you for it!

Are you ready to start your journey to better hearing? If you are a Canadian over the age of 18 who may have hearing loss, book a free hearing test with us today!

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