The last statistics that are available in the public domain states that more than twenty-two million Americans suffer from some degree of occupational noise exposure.
This data is by no means reflective of all workplace-related hearing problems. The true number can be substantially more. The twenty-two million refers to those who have experienced hearing problems, many have got diagnosed with tinnitus and a serious fraction of the number has suffered a partial or complete loss of hearing. Occupational noise exposure is scarily real.
“Companies pay around two hundred and fifty million in compensations to workers who have hearing disability, partial or complete loss.”
Companies pay millions of dollars every year in penalties because they fail to protect their workers. If you are suffering or have suffered from occupational noise exposure, then you should get legal help.
“You are eligible for compensation, all your medical bills must be paid by the company and any hearing aid or treatments you need should be borne by the company you used to or still work for.”
Consult johnsonlawoffices.net for more specific information.
Causes of Occupational Noise Exposure
It is well known that the human ear is capable of recognizing sound within a certain range. We don’t hear radio waves and we cannot hear ultrasound.
Within the audible spectrum, some noise is almost inaudible and we cannot hear. Some noise is too loud for our ears. Sound or noise is measured in decibels.
The human ear is comfortable with noises up to seventy or at the most eighty decibels. Beyond that and the sound becomes uncomfortable. You may not find it to be very uncomfortable if it is music or some noise you have gotten accustomed to.
“Noise or sound measuring a hundred or a hundred twenty decibels and above can lead to loss of hearing.”
Very loud noises can cause immediate hearing loss. Those who have worked in mines or have been close to explosions and have been subjected to the noise created by extremely heavy machinery or industrial operations will have problems arising out of occupational noise exposure.
Let us talk about the various machines that are mostly the causes of occupational noise exposure. Explosions are relevant in specific industries, especially mines.
Drills, motors, rotors, large excavating machinery, powered tools of myriad kinds, the large grinders and blasters used in multiple industries, all these and more create noise that is a tad too uncomfortable for the human ear.
Over time, people suffering will have numbing feelings, will not be able to hear every sound clearly, there will be an impact on hearing and also on the reaction to sound.
Even a buzzing small appliance can become a problem over a long period of time. Most people can endure loud noises for a brief period of time.
The ear gets to rest and then heals. Workers who are exposed to loud noises for years and decades will almost always have a problem emanating from occupational noise exposure.
Effects of Occupational Noise Exposure
Loss of hearing is the worst that can happen. You may be able to hear a little with an aid. It is possible that aid would be ineffective. You might need surgery or your condition may be beyond surgery to remedy.
You could suffer from tinnitus which is the constant ringing sensation in the ears. Tinnitus may be in one ear or both. Nerve endings in the ear may get damaged due to it can affect hearing, cause pain in the ears, and can impair the blood circulation in the area around the ears.
Hearing related problems are not just physiological and sensory. They have a psychological impact as well.
“Anyone who suffers from tinnitus, loss of hearing whether it is partial or substantial, ear infections, and other discomforts such as pain, itching, or numbness will also suffer from stress.”
There is a significant impact on the psychological health of a person. It may also damage the eardrum, the lobes, and affect wax buildup in the ear. This may lead to failure in recognizing certain types of sounds.
Remedies for Occupational Noise Exposure
Occupational noise exposure can be prevented and limited. There are specialized gears for the ear to protect one from occupational noise exposure.
If the employer or organization ensures the right kind of gear for the workers then they are doing their bit. In case of accidental occupational noise exposure, workers are fully eligible for compensation.
If companies honor their commitments or do their duty of providing the compensations, then you can resort to medical care and even get paid for the job you would have done if you had not suffered from occupational noise exposure.
“Should your company be unwilling to come forth and help you, get help from johnsonlawoffices.net“
