According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dB(A) can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) to occur. Based on the study Hearing Loss Among Construction Workers: Updated Analyses, 58% of older construction workers now suffer from significant hearing loss, which was often a result of not taking the appropriate precautions while working in high-noise worksites. A study by Work Care found that employers pay $242 million a year in worker compensation for hearing loss, and these costs were higher in construction than in any other industry.
Workers in the construction industry are surrounded by high-noise levels from heavy equipment. When it comes to noise, there are three main types of noise frequencies: broadband noise, impulse noise, and tonal noise. The below chart shows the average noise level of the 10 most common high-noise-generating power equipment in the various construction industries. Several of the top 10 most common high-noise-generating power equipment in the construction industry can be categorized within one of these three types of noise.
Broadband noise (also called wideband noise) is "noise whose sound energy is distributed over a wide section of the audible range" (Acoustic Glossary: Sound and Vibration Terms and Definitions). Broadband noise can be anything from speech frequencies to loud machinery or large vehicle frequencies, where the noise has random or broad patterns.
Impulse noise is noise characterized by sharp, brief increases in dB volume. Any of the top noise levels in the construction industry land under this type of noise: pneumatic chipping hammer, jackhammer, and hammer. These high-decibel impulse noises can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, as they are constant and deafening.
Tonal noise (otherwise known as discrete frequency noise) is flat noise that occurs at a single frequency. Tonal noises include blades, fans, motors, or other moving parts that rotate or vibrate. In construction, these noises include the concrete joint cutter, the Skilsaw, and other saws.
Develop tinnitus, causing them to hear ringing, rushing, or other noises
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in all cases where sound levels exceed 85 dB(A) for more than 8 hours, companies are required to implement a hearing conservation program. Hearing conservation programs are designed to prevent occupational hearing loss, preserve remaining hearing, and provide workers with hearing protection to safeguard themselves. These programs can include free hearing exams, hearing protection devices, safety training, and fit-testing evaluations that determine the effectiveness of hearing protection devices.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is preventable, as are safety and communication problems that arise because of it. Is there a hearing protection and communication solution that solves these problems? In fact, there is - Sensear is a global leader in developing and manufacturing best-in-class Digital Communication Headsets and Earplugs for use in high noise and hazardous environments. Let’s review a few important measures that you can take to improve safety and communication among construction workers and heavy equipment operators.
These Industrial headsets offer a rugged design that holds up well in these tough environments as well as a noise-canceling boom mic for clear two-way radio communication via cable connection and Sensear’s patented SENS® Technology.
These rugged headsets offer a noise-canceling boom mic, a two-way radio cable connection, Bluetooth® for wireless connection to a Bluetooth-enabled communication device (cell phone, tablet, or two-way radio), and Sensear’s patented SENS® Technology.
Sensear's smartPlug™ Series offer an in-ear microphone along with a variety of features similar to our headsets, a two-way radio cable connection, Bluetooth® for wireless connection (cell phone, tablet, or two-way radio), and Sensear’s patented SENS® Technology. In addition to the smartPlug™, Sensear also offers the all-new SP1R, which has the option of earplugs with an in-ear microphone, or a lightweight, heavy-duty headset with earplugs and an external noise-canceling boom microphone. The SP1R's in-ear microphone is specifically for users of respirators or other equipment that restricts boom mic usage. With the boom mic's crystal clear audio of up to 120 dB(A), these two earpiece models make the SP1R the ideal earplug solution for use with or without full-face protection devices or protective suits.
With Sensear’s wide range of products, we have a solution for your unique requirement. Schedule a call with one of our hearing protection specialists and let’s talk, so we can help you determine the best hearing protection solution for your hearing conservation and safety program designed around the construction and heavy equipment industry.