Careers That Could Cost You Your Hearing

When considering the multiple considerations that go into your career choice, we bet that your long-term hearing health is fairly low on the priority list—if it’s there at all. We understand.

And while we don’t really think that your future ability to hear should determine your career choice, we do think you should be mindful of the risk—so that you can utilize proper hearing protection and stick to the best habits to preserve your hearing.

According to the CDC, occupational hearing loss is one of the most common occupational ailments in the US. Twenty-two million people are exposed to unsafe noise levels on the job, and an estimated $242 million is spent annually on worker’s compensation for hearing loss.

So this isn’t a minimal concern; the personal and social consequences are huge.

If you decide to follow one of the following eight careers—or presently work in one—take additional safety measures to protect your hearing.

Below are 8 of the loudest industries.

1. Military – Practically all firearms can deliver 140 decibels (dB) of noise. This is significantly above the safe threshold of 85 dB, and has the potential to produce instantaneous and irreversible hearing damage. Explosions and other sounds of warfare add to the risk. This is why hearing loss and other hearing problems represent the most widespread injuries for veterans.

2. Music – Rock concerts can reach over 110 decibels, subjecting musicians to hours of continuously damaging noise. That explains why research has demonstrated that musicians are four times more likely to experience noise-induced hearing loss—and 57 percent more likely to suffer tinnitus—than other people.

3. Manufacturing – As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hearing loss is the most frequently reported work-related ailment in manufacturing. Manufacturing equipment can reach decibel levels of well over 100.

4. Carpentry – As with manufacturing, carpenters use equipment that can reach damaging decibel levels. A power saw alone can attain 110 dB.

5. Aviation – A jet take-off at 25 meters registers at around 140-150 decibels. The decibel level decreases as distance increases, but pilots and airport personnel should protect against the noise.

6. Emergency Response – Ambulance and fire engine sirens can generate decibel levels of over 130. In fact, a group of firefighters has recently taken legal action against a siren manufacturer after suffering from hearing loss on the job.

7. Farming – Some tractors and agricultural equipment can produce well over 100 decibels. Farm workers are encouraged to keep machinery running smoothly, to take periodic breaks from the noise, and to wear hearing protection.

8. Racing – The sound of a single race car can reach over 120 decibels, and a race in full action can reach 140. Participants, fans, and workers at racing events are all at risk for developing hearing loss.

Remember, sustained subjection to any noise above 85 decibels heightens your risk for acquiring hearing loss. If you end up in a high-volume career, take these three preventative measures (if you can’t avoid the source of the noise):

1. Increase your distance from the sound source when possible
2. Take routine rest breaks from the sound to limit time of exposure
3. Use custom earplugs to limit volume

Taking these three easy steps (especially # 3) will permit you to pursue the career of your choice without having to sacrifice your ability to hear in the future—because wearing earplugs now is better than wearing hearing aids later.