Ear Safety Poster: Hearing Loss Is Most Often Gradual

It's estimated that more than 30 million North American workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job. Noise-induced hearing loss is completely preventable, but once acquired it is permanent. Prevention measures are essential to ensure that hearing is protected.

While just about any workplace has potential for noise-induced hearing loss, there are many industries that have much more dangerous noise exposure levels than others. These include agriculture, construction, manufacturing, mining, the military, transportation and utilities.

Loud noises can cause hearing loss by damaging the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. As noise levels increase, entire groups of cells can be torn away. The hair cells don't repair themselves, so when enough are damaged, hearing loss results.