Protection from Industrial Noise

Industrial noise is one of the most pervasive hazards that can be found in work places all over the world today. It can come from machines that are used in factories. It can be in the form of construction noise for those who are engaged in the real estate industry. Those in the aviation business suffer from the loud noise of aeroplane engines. People like rock stars and orchestra musicians who hold glamorous jobs in the entertainment industry are exposed to very high levels of noise. In regular offices, there is the humming of the air cooling or heating system, the ringing of telephones and, sometimes, the sound of music playing throughout the room. There might also be the noise coming from renovations that are being done in the work place. There are also offices that are located right beside manufacturing plants. With all these high sound levels that constantly reach employees' ears throughout an entire work shift, the condition called noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has become a widespread problem. This is a gradual loss of one's ability to hear sound. Even though the condition develops over time, it is very dangerous because the affected person usually does not notice the hearing loss at all. He or she might have difficulty understanding conversations and might hear a constant buzzing in the ears. However, only when the damage has become severe and irreversible does the victim realise it.

Due to NIHL, companies are now introducing a lot of noise control and noise mitigation measures in order to protect their employees. This is usually done by placing silencers like mufflers and baffles on machinery. One can also use sound absorption material like fibreglass and open cell foams. Others create mass barriers – usually of brick, steel or concrete – in order to insulate the sound. Through architectural acoustics, offices can also be cushioned from outside sound. Wall and ceiling panels wrapped in fabric, wood or metal can help prevent outside noise from entering an office. Workers must also wear hearing protection devices like earmuffs or earplugs in order to lessen the level of noise that they encounter.

It is important to note here that the point is not to block out sound entirely. After all, it is important to hear sounds like a phone call, fire alarms and hazard signals.

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