As a maintenance professional, you likely already have extensive health and safety training that outlines best practices for the chemicals and equipment used in daily tasks. However, the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), commonly referred to as occupational hearing loss, is often overlooked in these training sessions and materials. This oversight can lead to long-term issues in the profession on the individual and collective levels. The severity of hearing loss can increase over time if not addressed, and without proper training and awareness, NIHL is bound to affect more maintenance professionals over time. Whether working inside or outside, there are both proactive protective measures you should take to protect your ears, as well as reactive steps you can take should you suspect NIHL.

The first major cause of sound pollution is power tools, including compressors, jackhammers, drills, and other loud machinery. The noise from these tools can often exceed 85 decibels (dB), which is the threshold for potential hearing damage when exposed over extended periods. Some heavy equipment can even reach noise levels of 100 dB or more, which can cause hearing damage in a matter of minutes. When used for extended periods of time, the level of risk increases drastically. Risk 2: Indoor noise amplification Indoor maintenance environments, such as large facilities, factories, or warehouses, can exacerbate noise exposure. Hard surfaces like concrete floors and metal walls reflect sound waves, amplifying noise levels due to reverberation and increasing the risk of NIHL. Even equipment that seemingly poses low risk can become of concern in enclosed spaces. For example, a vacuum cleaner has noise levels that range from 60-70dB, which is thought to be in the safe zone yet may be amplified in small spaces. Further, the risk is increased when the vacuum is used for long periods of time, which we will discuss more below. Risk 3: Sustained low-level noise exposure While loud noises are easily recognized as a risk factor for hearing loss, sustained exposure to lower levels of noise—between 70 to 85 dB—can also cause cumulative hearing damage. Air compressors, fans, and HVAC systems, for example, may seem benign but can contribute to long-term NIHL if exposure occurs over a prolonged period without protection. Or, if you use any type of music or headphones to listen to audio that drowns out this noise, ensure it remains at 70 dB or lower. If listening to music above 85dB and in conjunction with sustained low-level noise, you are at increased risk of hearing damage. Risk 4: Outdoor environments and environmental noise Outdoor maintenance workers also face unique challenges when it comes to noise pollution because they are often exposed to a combination of occupational and environmental noises. Environmental noise, which includes sources like heavy traffic, nearby construction, wind, and even aircraft, can compound the risks posed by the machinery and tools maintenance professionals use. For example, while a single piece of equipment like a leaf blower or power saw might generate noise within the range of 85 to 90 dB, the added presence of loud traffic or construction noises can push overall exposure beyond 100 dB. Steps to reduce risks Wear suitable hearing protection: Consistent use of hearing protection is crucial to protecting yourself from noise-induced hearing loss. Earplugs or earmuffs with a high Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) should be worn whenever you’re operating or working near loud machinery. When used properly, earplugs and earmuffs can lower noises by between 20 and 35 dB. Take noise breaks: It’s equally important to take regular breaks from high-noise environments, allowing your ears time to recover. Whenever possible, aim to use low-noise equipment that operates within safer decibel ranges so that fewer breaks are necessary. Use noise risk assessments to plan properly: For outdoor work, where environmental noise from traffic or construction may exacerbate noise exposure, it’s essential to assess and plan ahead. A thorough noise risk assessment can identify specific sources of environmental noise that contribute to hearing loss. In these settings, proper use of HPDs is vital, and you may want to use dual protection, such as earplugs and earmuffs, for particularly loud tasks. Another helpful strategy is rotating workers between high-noise and low-noise tasks to reduce individual exposure times and give your ears a break from continuous noise. Education and training: Employers should provide comprehensive hearing protection training as part of regular health and safety programs, teaching workers to identify high-risk noise environments, use hearing protection correctly, and understand the long-term effects of noise-induced hearing loss. This program should involve educating and training workers on job site noise hazards, introducing noise control strategies such as rotating tasks to lower the average noise exposure over an 8-hour shift, and mandating regular audiometric testing and consultations to detect early signs of hearing loss. Hazards of power tools, indoor noise amplification, outdoor environmental factors, and prolonged exposure to moderate noise all contribute to the risk of noise-induced hearing loss for maintenance professionals. However, by adopting proactive strategies such as using proper hearing protection, implementing sound-dampening solutions and ensuring regular training and testing, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of permanent hearing damage.