Industrial Hearing Conservation
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of our nation’s worst health epidemics. Audiologists often work with industry and the military to ensure that our nation’s workers and servicemen are not exposed to excessive noise levels. Workplace noise levels exposing persons to more than 90 decibels-A over an eight-hour period can create noise-induced hearing loss. Audiologists assist in noise measurement, control, and abatement. Audiologists manage industrial hearing technicians in monitoring worker’s hearing through yearly testing and education regarding the importance of hearing conservation. Workers exposed to high noise levels must wear hearing protection devices to protect their hearing. Audiologists also encourage workers to practice hearing conservation when not at home by not engaging in dangerously noisy activities without adequate protection.