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Content Last Reviewed: 06/03/2010

Other Potential Hazards and Solutions

Noise

NoiseHearing is a very important part of your day to day life. Hearing enhances almost every facet of your life. It enables you to communicate, learn, and follow instructions.

Hearing provides you enjoyment when listening to television, movies, radio, and concerts. But when you are exposed to harmful sounds--sounds that are too loud or loud sounds over extended periods of time--sensitive structures of your inner ear can be damaged, causing noise-induced hearing loss. Some hearing loss may be temporary, but if exposure continues it could be permanent.
  • If your job involves loud noise, your employer will have to provide hearing protection and train you on how to use it correctly.
If workplace noise is above a certain level, employers must follow OSHA's Occupational Noise Exposure standard, 29 CFR 1910.95, or in Construction, 29 CFR 1926.52 including:
  • Make changes to reduce workplace noise or
  • Provide workers with hearing protection, training and a hearing test program.

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Noise-induced hearing-loss is 100% preventable. However, once acquired, hearing loss is permanent and irreversible.
For additional details on noise-induced hearing loss, additional frequently asked questions and information regarding noise, please contine through the following pages.