Many professions come with an exposure to high levels of noise. These loud sounds can cause serious problems for the workers. The employers should provide hearing protection for these individuals, so they aren’t at risk of permanent hearing loss.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific guidelines for employers to follow regarding noise exposure in the workplace and hearing protection. One of the primary points in these guidelines is that workers must have earplugs or other protection if they have prolonged exposure to moderate level noises or momentary exposure to extremely loud noises, such as explosives blasts.
Workers who do have noise exposure at work, including those who are in the military and are exposed to loud noises like gunfire or bombs and individuals who work in engine rooms or around loud machinery, need to have periodic hearing assessments to determine how the exposure is impacting them. This may help to track a gradual hearing loss that would be otherwise unnoticed.
For some workers, the prolonged exposure to noise leads to considerable permanent hearing loss that impacts other areas of their life, as well as their ability to continue with their current job duties. There’s a chance that they will be unable to find suitable work to support themselves. This can lead to a claim of disability through the Social Security Disability insurance program.
Receiving these benefits requires an application process that’s often lengthy and difficult. In some cases, the individuals might have to appeal the decision if they’re wrongfully denied the benefits they feel they should qualify for.
