Exposure to excessive noise is one of the main causes of hearing loss, and many New Zealanders work in noisy environments. High noise levels are a hazard not only in workplaces – these levels also occurs in many recreational activities. A recent survey has shown that there is little awareness of excessive noise as damaging in either the work force or among younger people. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is permanent. NIHL is often described with the four Ps: Painless, Progressive, Permanent and Preventable.
What is the impact of injuries?
The number of claims and associated compensation costs of noise-induced hearing loss has doubled in the last five years in New Zealand.
Non-auditory effects typically include:
- trouble hearing people talking in a crowded or noisy place
- distraction brought about by tinnitus (ringing in the ears). It can cause reduced performance in work, severe difficulties in concentration, and adverse effects on sleep.
Noise issues impact on safety in the following ways:
- It has been shown that excessive noise and its impact may result in an increased injury rate.
- People with hearing loss may have difficulty hearing warnings or alarms. They may also have problems understanding verbal instructions they are given.
For noise related health and safety information, see:
- Noise fact sheets (external link)
- Listen! You might be going deaf (external link)
For general health and safety information, see Health and safety in the workplace.
What can I do to reduce injuries?
It’s important for everyone in the workforce to choose quieter tools and work methods.
What employees can do
- Reduce the exposure to excessive noise. See A message to employees on avoiding hearing loss (external link).
- Wear the correct class of hearing protective devices (HPDs) (external link) and wear these the whole time while in the exposed environment. Use quieter tools whenever possible.
- Have a hearing test. Take this National Foundation for the Deaf (NZ) hearing test (external link) to find out if you need a professional hearing evaluation.
What employers can do
- Develop a noise protection programme (external link). Focus on managing the noise emission rather than PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as the first option. There are also many other means to reduce the exposure (eg limit the time in the area etc).
Remember everybody has a role to play in preventing and reducing injuries in the workplace.
What other help is available?
We have a range of practical tools and resources to help you identify and manage hazards typical to your workplace.
You can order these resources from the Publications section:
- ACC4795 Noise-induced hearing loss awareness DVD, covering noise-induced hearing loss tips and case studies
- ACC4796 Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) awareness brochure (PDF 855K)
You might also find the following information helpful:
- Code of practice for the management of noise in the workplace (external link)
- Best practice in noise-induced hearing loss management and prevention (PDF 702K) NIHL literature review (ACC)
- Brüel & Kjær primers and handbooks (external link)
- Noise and work resource kit (external link)
- Australia/New Zealand Standard Occupational noise management – Hearing protector programme (external link)
Last updated: 20 April 2009