From 1963 employers have been aware that exposing their work force to excessive noise for long periods would result in them suffering hearing loss. The term used for this is Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).

Legislation was introduced in 1989 when the Noise at Work regulations were brought in. The regulation put in place rules to protect people who worked in a noisy environment. It was common place for workers in the 60’s & 70’s not to be provided with protection for their hearing.

People most at risk would have probably worked in one of the following types of industries

• Textiles
• Motor Engineering
• Printing
• Steel & Foundry Works
• Bottling Plants
• Manufacturing

In fact any working environment where there were large amounts of noise.

In the UK thousands of people have been affected by exposure to noise in the work place and didn’t realise that they have been affected. It is usually when you stop working in the noisy environment that it becomes more noticeable as the people around you may start to ask questions listed below

• Is that television not too loud ?
• Can you not hear the telephone ringing ?
• Can you not hear the door bell ?

You may have noticed changes yourself but put it down to old age when such as the following occurs -

• Struggle to hear conversations in groups and crowded places
• Have a constant ringing in your ears

You would probably not have noticed these signs while you were still at work as you spent most of your time in the noisy working environment and therefore shouting and lip reading were common place to communicate with your fellow workers.

Do you or anyone you know suffer or been diagnosed with work-related hearing problems?

If you do, call us.