Why Communication in Construction and Hearing Protection Matter
In Canada, construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work. If you go onto a construction site at any time during the building process, you will probably Hear jackhammers, concrete saws, and power tools as well as workers using big, strong construction machines. Hearing protection is just as important as your hats your steel toed boots, and your high visibility clothing. It is very important for your safety on the place where you work.
Hearing damage is almost always permanent. For this reason, construction workers often fail to see the significance of losing their hearing. Because of this, permanent hearing damage often goes unaddressed.
Construction noise will damage your hearing
It is important to know that construction sites are places where most of the equipment will operate at noise levels that exceed 85 decibels. Being exposed to sound at this level will damage your hearing if it happens over a long period of time. Many of the power tools and equipment used on construction sites will operate at sound levels that exceed 100 decibels. This creates a very high risk of losing your hearing, and that damage will be permanent.
Noise that is too loud can really hurt the hair cells in your ear. These hair cells in your ear are very important. They are so important that when they get damaged, they do not grow back. If this happens you might not be able to hear for the rest of your life. This is why loud noise is a problem for your ears.
Sometimes people start to notice that they are having trouble hearing. This can happen all of a sudden. You might hear a sound in your ear that's really annoying.. You might have a hard time hearing what people are saying when they talk to you. For example, things might start to sound muffled. They might not sound as clear as they used to. If this happens, that is a sign that something's wrong with your hearing. Noise and loud sounds can cause this problem with your hearing.
Why Hearing Protection Matters on Every Job Site
Hearing protection provides many additional benefits beyond preserving your hearing.
Prevents Permanent Hearing Loss
Properly fitted hearing protection keeps harmful noise from entering your ears at a minimum, thus, reducing hearing damage that may be permanent.
Improves Workplace Safety
Employees that have healthy hearing have the ability to hear:
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Vehicle backup alarms
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Emergencies
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Communication
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Equipment issues
If these sounds are missed, an accident can happen.
Supports Long Term Health
Studies show that hearing loss may be tied to higher levels of stress and fatigue, an increase in isolation, and a decline in overall cognitive function. Helping your hearing helps your health.
Choosing the Right Hearing Protection
Protection of the hearing may be in the form of protection devices that fit properly and are comfortable.
Foam earplugs provide protection, but are usually uncomfortable for construction workers and may be used frequently. An option for protection that may be more comfortable is a custom earmold.
A professionally fitted Custom earmold provides :
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Comfortable fit for long term use
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Consistent noise protection
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Protection that stays in place for physical work Durable and reusable
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Reliable and Durable
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Protection that can be used with other PPE
Because custom hearing protection is more unique than generic earplugs, it provides a better seal, protection, and may be a good investment for those workers who are in high noise areas.
Don't Brush Off the Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Many believe that hearing loss is just a normal part of aging, but exposure to noise on the job is a leading cause of hearing loss in working adults that is completely preventable.
If you fall into this trade, you should schedule a hearing test in Calgary if you notice:
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Tinnitus
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You are having increasing issues hearing conversations at work
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You have increasing issues understanding speech, even with no background noise
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Family notices you have to turn the TV up
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You have issues communicating with others
The sooner the issues are discovered, the better hearing professionals can prevent more serious, permanent problems.
Hearing Checkups Should Be a Routine Like Safety Inspections
Just as construction companies prevent safety violations with inspections of construction and site safety equipment, you should have routine inspections of your hearing.
Annual hearing tests in Calgary should be a routine to hear and monitor any changes. The construction industry is known for safety concerns with damaging and permanent hearing loss, so inspections should be routine.
Frequent inspections will allow sign to improve workplace safety programs and hearing protection equipment.
What's in a Hearing Conservation Program for Employers
Construction companies can improve hearing safety by:
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Providing approved hearing protection.
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Encouraging daily use of hearing protection.
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Educating workers about noise hazards.
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Scheduling regular hearing assessments.
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Replacing worn or damaged hearing protection.
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Identifying high noise areas on job sites.
Promoting hearing safety shows a commitment to employee well being and helps reduce health risks associated with job safety.
When Hearing Protection Isn't Enough
Some hearing protection is better than nothing however there are workers that may have changes in their hearing even when they wear hearing protection because of the years of being, around loud sounds.
If hearing loss happens going to a trusted hearing aid clinic helps. Hearing professionals will look at your hearing. Tell you what the results of your hearing test mean, as well as give ideas that fit with your job and your life.
Hearing technology has improved a lot. There are choices that have good features that help with blocking out noise and making sounds clearer to hear.There are better outcomes in hearing when the loss is not as severe and is treated sooner.
Final Thoughts
Construction workers in Calgary build homes and offices and roads and communities. It is very important to protect your hearing just like you protect your hands and eyes and head. You should wear hearing protection. Get a Custom earmold that fits you well and have a hearing test in Calgary on a regular basis. If you think your hearing is changing you should go to a hearing aid clinic they can help you understand what is going on with your hearing.
Your hearing is really important to you. You need to take care of it so you can keep hearing and do your job in Calgary for a long time. Construction workers need their hearing to work safely and do a job. Protecting your hearing is an idea so you should get custom earmolds and have a hearing test, in Calgary and go to a hearing aid clinic if you need to.
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