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Benefits and Pensions MonitorListen Up! “Deaf people are lawyers. Deafened people are doctors. Hard of hearing people are accountants. They are teachers, computer analysts, sales people, and supervisors. They are machine operators, data entry and customer service experts.” – Canadian Hearing Society Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent disabilities in Canada. It is on the rise and it’s time we listened to its profound affect on our workplaces and our quality of life. Noise is not a new hazard. It’s been a constant threat since the industrial revolution. Too much noise may cause a temporary change in your hearing (ears may feel stuffed up) or a temporary ringing in your ears (tinnitus). These short-term problems usually go away within a few minutes or hours after leaving the noise. However, repeated exposure to loud noise can lead to permanent incurable hearing loss or tinnitus. The frequency or pitch can also have some effect since high-pitched sounds are more damaging than low-pitched ones. Although research on the effects of noise is not complete, it appears that noise can cause quickened pulse rate, increased blood pressure, and narrowing of the blood vessels. Over a long period of time, these may place an added burden on the heart. Despite popular myths, hearing loss is not primarily in the domain of the aging population or older workers. Rather, it’s occurring more often than ever before in younger workers exposed to an increasingly noisy society. Consider this, a Canadian Hearing Society Awareness Survey revealed that one in four adult Canadians reported having some degree of hearing loss. One in four of these individuals are under 40 and almost half are between 40 and 60 years of age. As the study’s author suggests, “these are not retirees, these are adult, working Canadians.” Noise induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational diseases. It’s the second most self-reported occupational illness or injury. Workers exposed to noise also complain sometimes of nervousness, sleeplessness, and fatigue. Industry specific statistics from the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety reveal that:
Workplace Reality Check Firstly, expect that almost one in four of the people applying for a job with your organization will be deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing. Even more likely, is that a large number of your current employees have, or are acquiring, some degree of hearing loss that will require them to face additional work challenges due to communication barriers. Secondly, know what you’re looking for. In most cases, the loss of one’s hearing is a very gradual process which takes place over many years. Some common symptoms of hearing loss are:
In order to cope with these symptoms, many people with a hearing loss will:
Thirdly, know that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, but once acquired, hearing loss is permanent and irreversible. Therefore, prevention measures must be taken by employers and workers to ensure the protection of worker’s hearing. Prevention Most Of The Cure Hearing protectors, such as ear plugs and ear muffs, should be used when it is not feasible to otherwise reduce noise to a safe level. Ongoing hearing loss prevention programs for all workplaces with hazardous levels of noise are recommended by experts who suggest these programs include noise assessments, engineering controls, audiometric monitoring of workers’ hearing, appropriate use of hearing protectors, worker education, record-keeping, and program evaluation. Don’t shy away, prevent and accommodate instead. Know that workers who are deaf or have a hearing loss are willing and able to do the job required of them and have the same capacity for success or failure as hearing employees. For businesses, large and small, a highly-trained, motivated workplace that is safe and free of barriers for communication has clearly demonstrated benefits. It’s our job as insurers, educators, and employers to provide the education and tools necessary to achieve this goal. Caroline Tapp-McDougall is the publisher of ‘Solutions: Canada’s Family Guide to Home Health Care and Wellness’and the author of ‘The Complete Canadian Eldercare Guide.’ |
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